Thomas Leonard Autry was the oldest son of nine children born to Glover Leonard and Ethel Autry. He was born June 18, 1934 in Tahoka, Texas and completed his journey on this earth July 10, 2026, just 22 days after his 92nd birthday. Thomas suffered several severe falls, the last resulting in a broken hip from which he could not rally back triggering an increase of Alzheimer's symptoms and failure to thrive.
Thomas grew up in several different farming communities in Lynn County, Texas. He graduated from Wilson High School, Wilson, Texas in 1952. He was active in sports throughout his High School years as full back on the football team and a valued basketball player due to his 6'+ height.
Thomas and a friend joined the Air Force after High School. Thomas served his 3 year tour of duty and a required reserve duty during the Korean War era. His service was entirely stateside, serving as a service system mechanic. He was most proud of his ability to perfect bombing target mechanisms and keep those planes "in the air."
Prior to his military service, Thomas married Helen Steinhauser. They were blessed with three sons: Brian Allen, Robbie Dale, and Gary Clint. Each married and expanded the family with spouses and children of their own. Circumstances changed in the family unit years later which led to Thomas and Helen parting ways and creating new families.
Thomas married Linda Rose in 1982. Linda's family of three daughters - Debbie, Kay, and Brenda, along with their families - became a part of his life as well. Thomas and Linda farmed for a while before settling in San Angelo where he would later earn a Master Plumber's license. He worked as a plumber until his retirement in the early 1990's. Thomas loved to dabble in remodeling, flower gardening, and building things such as birdhouses, bar stools, and even a flatbed mini trailer out of a children's wagon chassis.
He was preceded in passing by his wife, Linda Rose; parents, Glover Leonard and Ethel Autry; oldest son, Brian Allen Autry; sisters Polly Horn and Alline Craig; brothers, Joe Autry and Dennis Autry; and four brothers-in-law.
Left to cherish Thomas' memory are his sons, Robbie (D'Aun) and family, Gary (Tracy) and family, and Brian's family; sisters Fran (Joe) Stone, Lola Mattingly, Clara (Don) Carsten, and Jannis Kay Childress. Thomas is also survived by many grandchildren, step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great & great-great nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held from 9-11 AM on Tuesday July 14, 2026 at Johnson's Funeral Home's chapel. Funeral services began at 11 AM with interment following at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the Autry family asks that memorial donations in Thomas's honor be made to the Alzheimer's Association, West Texas Rehab's Hospice of San Angelo, or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
