William "Tom" Conlon Sr.

WIILIAM THOMAS "TOM" CONLON, 68, peacefully passed away August 2, 2015, at his home in Temple, Texas, surrounded by his entire family and dear friend, Richard Miller. Tom was born on November 3, 1946 in Berkeley County, South Carolina, the only child to William Frances Conlon, Jr. and Ivy Marcina Driggers. Tom graduated from Bishop England High School in 1965 in Charleston, SC. He attended Baptist College in Charleston before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1967. During his military service, he was stationed in Panama where he had top crypto security clearance. While stationed at Fort Hood, he met the love of his life and best friend, Mary Hernandez. The two were married on November 28, 1969 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Temple, Texas. Shortly afterwards they moved to Charleston, SC and he began his law enforcement career in 1970 with Charleston County Sheriff's Department ultimately attaining the rank of detective and was an underwater recovery team diver. Upon returning to Temple, Tom was employed by Temple Police Department as a patrolman and lastly a warrant officer from 1980-1985. In his latter years, he worked for the United States Postal Service until his retirement in 2003. Tom was a loving father to three children: William Thomas (Bill) Conlon, Jr. of Temple, Mary Catherine Owens of Belton, and Laura Elaine Waits of Temple. He was extremely active in his children's lives, helping raise show animals and coaching little league and softball teams. That love and affection extended onto his seven grandchildren as well. He was affectionately known as "Papa" and "Papa Tom" to: Alexandra Nicole Arons Brenek, Zachary Scott Owens, Drew Ivy Webster, Magnolia Julia Conlon, William Thomas Conlon, III, Chase Wayne Waits, and Brody Joe Waits. He dearly loved watching his grandchildren grow and delighted in putting a smile on each one of their faces. Tom was a man of many passions. He was an ardent and faithful deer hunter; there wasn't a season he missed. He was an avid reader, indulging constantly in military/history books. He was a WWII historian; he genuinely enjoyed sharing his vast knowledge on the subject with his family. Tom loved fishing, salt water or fresh, it didn't matter, he was always ready. Recently, there weren't too many conversations that didn't involve his latest catch. He told stories; he loved to share his life experiences. He loved to frequent gun shows, so much that it eventually led to him selling his handmade knives throughout TX, OK, and SC with his wife, Mary, as his constant companion. Tom so loved spending time with his extended family in South Carolina during the spring fishing season and summers. He was also a lover of animals, always with a dog by his side. By his family, Tom will be remembered as a devoted husband, a caring and generous father, a proud Papa, a gentle soul. He was intelligent, hard-working, quick-witted, strong, gracious, and loyal. We will miss his bright eyes and beautiful smile. Tom was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife, three children, seven grandchildren, and numerous cousins.