Thomas Vernon Abram

Thomas Vernon Abram, age 77, passed away peacefully with family by his side, on Friday, January 13, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas after being diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. He was born in Gaylord, Minnesota on April 11, 1945, to his parents Vernon Abram and Lorraine (Huckenpoehler) Abram.

Tom graduated from Arlington-Green Isle High School in 1963 and earned a scholarship to play basketball at St. Cloud University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. This set him on a course to love sports throughout his life. In April of 1969, Tom served his country by joining the United States Air Force. The Air Force took him to many places all around the world, including Turkey, where he lived for two years. In 1975, while stationed in San Antonio, Tom met the love of his life, Hope McClarren. With this love came a new life. The following year, Tom was baptized in July, becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The two were married and sealed for time and all eternity in 1978 by Elder Dean Larson in the Salt Lake City Temple, SLC, Utah.

Tom was a man that could best be defined by his three main passions in life; his service to the church and others, his family, and above all, sports (Go Vikings!). As a High Priest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Tom was called on a mission to the San Antonio Temple Distribution Center in 2014 where he served faithly until his passing. He also had many other opportunites to serve in various positions; in the San Antonio West Stake Presidency, Singles Ward Bishopric, Youth Basketball, Stake Temple and Family History Consultant, Family Search Center.

Tom’s love of sports was as a player, coach, spectator, and fan. He played Church basketball and softball for Lackland AFB League and City League softball. He had fun nicknames for many of his teammates. His garage was full of trophies for MVP and Homerun King. Tom worked as a Fitness Specialist for Southwest Research for 22 years after retiring from the military and also coached boys’ basketball, which he loved! He was a regular on the sidelines of his grandkids sporting events from basketball to soccer, football, baseball, volleyball, track, gymnastics, and tailgating at Reagan High Swimming and Diving events. Tom worked out daily, either with weights or physically helping people with yard work or moving their furniture from one residence to the next, never accepting any pay. There are many families and church members, friends, and neighbors who have a story about Tom’s generous nature to serve those around him.

Tom was always there with humor and an embracing smile! If you were lucky enough to have him in your life you know what we mean. He will be dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon Abram and Lorraine (Huckenpoehler) Abram; sister, Jean (Abram) Von Eschen. Tom is survived by his wife of 44 years, Hope Ramirez Abram, and step-children Randy McClarren, San Antonio, TX; and Roxanne (Dan) Musselman, San Antonio, TX; his children, daughter, Stacie (Todd) Theisen of Big Lake, Minnesota; son, Shannon (Carla) Abram of Champlin, Minnesota. He is survived by 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Mark (Cindy) Von Eschen, Matthew (Kristin) Von Eschen, and Mary (Steve) Goetsch; and numerous other extended family members and friends. The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, February 09, 2023 at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

FUNERAL SERVICEFRIDAY, FEBUARY 10, 202312:00 PMCHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS645 KNIGHTS CROSS DR.Click here for zoom link to view the service.

Bishop Jeff Foster will officiate. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:45 p.m.