Thomas graduated from Trinity University and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He was a member of Bengal Lancers Social Club. Tom also served in the United States Army for many years and retired as a Second Lieutenant. He received awards of recognition including the Military Justice Code of Conduct.
Thomas had a distinguished professional career, initially in the insurance industry, followed by many dedicated years of corporate leadership in retail with nationally known companies such as Ben Franklin, Hobby Lobby, PartyCity, and Walmart.
Thomas is survived by his daughter Whitney Taylor Cortner, ex-wife Sherry Laning Herndon, cousin Amy Maynard Pidgeon, and his best friend Richard Warren.
Tom will be laid to rest at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in a private service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts in memory of Tom be made to Trinity University for the Bengal Lancers Fraternity Foundation Scholarship Fund. A link is provided below.