Thomas Vannoy

Tom Vannoy of Plano, Texas passed away on April 24, 2018 at the age of 80. He was born on December 9, 1937 in San Antonio, Texas to parents Thomas Howard Vannoy Sr. and Clara Eberhard Vannoy. Tom grew up in Dallas and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School where many of his lifelong friendships began. He joined the US Army in 1957, serving 3 years in the Army Security Agency Division. Tom then joined the Dallas Police Department in 1960 and began a successful career in Law Enforcement. He served with the Dallas Police as Patrol Officer in the Vice Control Division and Special Operations Division – Tactical Section. He retired in 1982 to become the Chief of Police in Temple, Texas where he served until 1994. Tom served as The Texas Police Chiefs Association President from 1992 -1993, Central Texas Sheriffs and Chiefs Association President from 1989-1991, served on Ralph Wilson Youth Club Board of Directors, Texas Municipal League Criminal Justice Committee and received the Paul Harris Fellow in the Rotary Club.   After retiring from the Temple Police Department, Tom was Owner/ Manager of Vannoy and Associates, licensed in Private Investigations, Commissioned Security Officer and as Personal Protection Officer. Majoring in Criminal Justice and Management, Tom received his Associate Degree of Science from El Centro College, his Bachelor of Science Degree from Sam Houston State University and Master of Science Degree from Abilene Christian University. Tom was a longtime member of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano Texas. He had a servant’s heart. He will always be remembered as a warm, caring and loyal gentleman. His sweet nature was a gift to his family and friends who will forever cherish each memory of time spent with him. His Kindness and Love are his Legacy. Tom was preceded in death by his father Howard Vannoy Sr., mother Clara Eberhard Barnes, stepfather Jessie Frank Barnes, his first wife Betty Vannoy and brother Charles E. Vannoy. He is survived by his loving wife Catherine Louise Vannoy, Beloved by his daughter Jill Anne Farrell and husband Phillip Farrell of Crowley Texas, son James Jeffrey Whyburn, MD and Sarah Mayer of Austin Texas, and the light of his life, his grandson Garrett Cole Mraz a student attending Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. Tom was unwavering in his devotion to Catherine and took great delight in the pursuits of their children and grandson. He is also survived by his sisters Patricia Clara Rackley and husband James of Mesquite, Texas, Vera Marie Nehr from San Antonio, Texas and nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday April 27, 2018 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at Scanio Harper Funeral Home, 3110 Airport Road, Temple, Texas 76504. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Bellwood Memorial Park in Temple, Texas. In lieu of flowers, if preferred, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to the Dallas Police Fallen Officer Foundation at 1414 N Washington Ave, Dallas, Texas 75204 www.dallasfof.org, SPCA of Texas [email protected], or the charity of your choice. The family would like to thank Tom’s caring Doctors, Philip Kovoor, MD at Texas Oncology in Plano, the Doctors and Nurses at Baylor Scott and White Plano, J Blake Bolin, MD and the many loving friends and family who called, came by to visit and prayed for us. We will be forever grateful. We will miss Tom. He was a loving Husband, a caring Dad, and the Best PaPa ever! We were Blessed.