Thomas "Tom" Irvin Althaus went to be with The Lord on May 4th, 2013 after his brave fight with brain cancer. He was 64 years old.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 8th, with the family available at 4:00 PM at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell, Texas and a rosary following at 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 9th, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Caldwell, Texas with Monsignor John McCaffrey officiating along with Deacons John W. Young and Danny Holguin. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.
Tom was born on December 11, 1948 in Johnson City, Blanco, Texas. He attended Texas A&M University as a member of the Corps of Cadets and earned his bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University. Tom was a member of the U.S. Army - 463rd Firefighters, 420th Brigade in Bryan, Texas and proud supporter of Texas A&M University. Tom began his career with the Texas Highway Patrol as a Texas State Trooper with the Department of Public Safety in Burleson County. After his service in the Highway Patrol he joined Ferguson Pipeline, then Mitchell Energy and also Southwestern Gas as a measurement technician. He later retired from Devon Energy and Energy Transfer Corporation as a Senior Corrosion Specialist for the Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana Region. Tom was a former member of Rotary Club, NACE, Woodmen of the World and the Choir at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his father, Irvin Clayton Althaus. Survivors include his mother, Patricia Althaus, and his mother in law, Velma Fruge'. His loving wife, Jo Althaus, and his children Kristi Chisum, Heather Crawford, Andrew Althaus, son-in-laws Kevin Chisum, Chris Crawford and daughter-in-law, Angie Althaus. His grandchildren, Ainsley, Claire, Ella, Chance, Braylon and Asher. His sister and brother-in-law Bebe and Bill Guthrie.
Tom will be remembered for his beautiful voice he shared with the St. Mary's Choir. His family and friends will never forget his bigger than life personality, generosity, sense of humor and his ability to live life to the fullest.
Pallbearers will be Ronnie Roecker, Bobby Fruge', Gary Franzetti, Ralph Mutchler, Brad Ables, Kenneth Tinkle and Rick Ramirez. Honorary Pallbearers are Robert Wiederhold, J.T. Ables, John Rychlik, Marshall Crawford and members of the St. Mary's Choir.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, 502 W. 26th, Bryan, Texas as well as the St. Mary's Choir, 500 west Old San Antonio Road, Caldwell, Texas 77836. Condolences may be left at Strickland Funeral Home.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Strickland Funeral Home of Caldwell. Please visit our website at www.stricklandfuneralhomes.com for additional information and to sign the online register.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I will always remember Tom I knew him from High School, work, both DPS and oil field. He was a true friend.
sam mashburn
Other
April 30, 2022
Tom will always be in my memories.
sam mashburn
Friend
May 3, 2020
I still think of Tom often. Something will trigger a memory of us being friends. They are all good memories!
Sam & Phyllis Mashburn
Friend
May 1, 2019
I met Tom when we were in High School. He went to Johnson City and I went to Buda. Later, we were both DPS troopers serving the people of Texas. Then, I guess it was fate, he lived in Caldwell working in the Oil & Gas Industry and I lived in Bryan working in the Oil & Gas Industry. Tom was a great person, always had a big smile and was everyone's friend. You will be missed and our "fiddle" jam sessions! We both had one but neither could play! Our prayers for you Jo and all of your family.
Sam & Phyllis Mashburn
May 22, 2013
May God give you strength, support and comfort during these difficult times. Be assured of his deep love and concern for you. 1 JOHN 4: 9, 10, 19.
With My Deepest Sympathy,
M D
May 19, 2013
My heart goes out to the family. I have really gotten to know you all and know that you are all in my prayers. I am so blessed to have gotten a chance to know you all.
Carrie Johnson
May 9, 2013
Tom was a fine man, and a true assett as a State Trooper to Burleson County. Many young men were allowed to grow to maturity without a record due to his insight.
Our sympathy to his family, he will be missed.
Mitchell Broaddus
May 9, 2013
My heart breaks for the family. I knew Tom from my job at CVS. He always had a smile on his face and was a very friendly person. He will be missed.
Suzanne
May 8, 2013
I was honored to know and work with Tom. He was one of the GOOD guys.
Addison Terry
[email protected]
May 8, 2013
When I was going through the D.P.S. Academy Tom was my driving instructor. He was nice to me and all the cadets. I will always remember that. A true gentleman
David Gomez
May 7, 2013
Tom and I worked together in 1974 when we were under Sgt Paul Allen. Tom was one of the nicest people person Troopers I have had the pleasure of knowing.
Bob Thorp
May 7, 2013
Mr. Tom will always be remembered for being one of the funniest people I ever met. You raised a beautiful daughter too! You will be missed Mr. Tom!!
Pamela Teetes
May 7, 2013
Many thoughts and prayers for the family. Tom was truly a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. God bless!!!!
Carl and Violet Turner
May 7, 2013
My sympathy to your family during this time of grief.
May 7, 2013
EAYNARD SHAW
May 7, 2013
Enjoyed being your partner in 1972 & 73. Great time and very professional.
Kenneth Cardwell
May 7, 2013
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Strickland Funeral Home - Caldwell530 Highway 36 South P.O. Box 604, Caldwell, TX 77836
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