Thomas Ray Hazel
1948-2015
Thomas Ray Hazel loved to fly. On August 23, 2015 Tom went to heaven doing what he liked best. He will be missed by those who loved and respected him. He is survived by his loving wife Carol and son Thomas Elton Hazel, mother Dorothy Schobel Hazel, sister and brother-in law Tish and Brian Davis, sister Dorothy Arnold, step-sons Mike Richards, wife Eun Kyoung and granddaughter Rachel, Adam Richards and wife Alix, nephew Hub Arnold and wife Julee, nephew Chase Davis, wife Acacia and great nephews Caleb and Blaine. He was preceded in death by the man who taught him to fly, his father Elton Odell Hazel.
Tom served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was a well respected mechanical contractor known for his integrity and acumen. He worked as a Vice President for Gowan Inc. In addition he served as Vice President for the Soaring Club of Houston.
His family and friends are comforted by Tom's strong faith in the Lord. He will be missed. Memorial service will be held at 1:00, August 27, 2015 at Houston First Baptist Church, 7401 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to Houston First Baptist Church.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Aug. 26, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Hazel

Sponsored by Pat H. Foley & Company.

14 Entries

August 28, 2017

It has been two years and it feels like yesterday.

Jim Evans

Jim Evans

September 30, 2015

Tom was one of those rare people that, within 15 minutes of meeting him, you know that you will be friends for a very long time. We met during the summer when he took a break from retirement to bring his engineering expertise and splendid mind to work on several legal matters with me. Carol has told me that Tom was having as much fun working with me as I was working with him. We will miss him very much.

Marty Jamieson

September 3, 2015

Salute to a good TAMU cadet!
Class of 70

September 2, 2015

Tom was one of my dear Aggie buddies. He was a very warm, fun and upbeat man who always looked on the bright side of life. I thought the world of him. May The Lord hold him in the palm of His hand.

Joe Tortorice '70

Jo Diehl

August 28, 2015

So sorry to hear about Tom. I worked for him in the 1980's. He will be missed.

August 27, 2015

Dear Carol,
I want to extend my deepest sympathy. My late husband, Ed Panuska, knew Tom for many years and had great respect for him as a person and a mechanical contractor. You are in my prayers.
Mrs. Edward J. Panuska (Margie)

August 27, 2015

Tom has meant so much to me as a friend, employee, associate, co officer and confidant. He blessed Gowan Inc. in so many ways to help it to become the great company that it is today. Thank you the family for sharing him with us.
Clinton and Vivian Gowan with love and best wishes.

JD Struckmann

August 27, 2015

Carol and Thomas, I wish that I could be there today to show my love for the two of you. The three of you supported both our family and Lutheran High North so generously over the years. God's peace be with you both.

August 26, 2015

Carol,
I just met you and your son, Thomas, at Mike's celebration this past Saturday. I heard through Mike today about your loss and just wanted to send my condolences to you and your family. God Blessings to you during this time.
Linda Lowery

John Thaxton

August 26, 2015

There are many of us who treasure Tom's presence in our lives - and many who consider him our "best friend". It was my privilege to know Tom all thru our time at Texas A&M, '66 thru '70, and maintain that friendship for a lifetime. Tom was the kind of friend that no matter how long since your last time together, each meeting was as if no time had passed at all. Tom, Burt Mason and I were almost inseparable thru college - we shared so many good times and tough times...how fitting it was that I learned of Tom's loss from our mutual "best friend". Tears and prayers flowing...we love you, Tom, Carol and Tom E. Tom's presence was, is and ever shall be a loving comfort and constant inspiration.

Marcelo & Cynthia Garcia

August 26, 2015

Tom was not just a customer to me, he was a nice fellow who was always interested in what you had to say, took his time to listen and ask questions, a genuine man with a passion for flying and love for his family, Blue Skies forever Tom.

Erin Erdil

August 26, 2015

As a young aspiring pilot, I had the privilege to fly with Tom in his Rockwell Commander back in the mid-to-late 80s. We flew from Waller Skylakes to David Wayne Hooks, and back. Not only a great pilot, but a great person. He will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for your loss.

August 26, 2015

To the family. I am sorry for you loss. May the God of comfort be with you at this time. Is. 25:8.

Mark Wood

August 26, 2015

Tom was my friend and co-worker for over forty years. We've had some really good times together, drank good whiskey, ate good food, had good hunts, done some great flying, planned and figured some fantastic, unique and fascinating work, built good companies, treated people right, discussed some deep theology, given our skills to others, and we did it all without fanfare, without public notoriety, without advertising, and without taking advantage of others. Tom was an honorable man, and I'm proud to have known him. Carol, he will be missed.

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