Tom Kouri

Tom Kouri Tom Kouri, born March 27, 1924, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 20, 2007, after a lengthy respiratory illness. He is survived by Helen Blackmon Kouri, his loving wife of 61 years; his two sons, Jim Kouri and Moses Kouri; his two daughters, Pam Bommarito and Cynthia Motloch; his four grandchildren, Carisa Bommarito, Brant Bommarito, Pam Motloch, Tiffany Kouri; and his sister, Rose Ferris. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Rose Kouri, his brothers, Moses Kouri and Richard Kouri, and his sister, Ann Fayad. Tom grew up in Manor, Texas, and as a teen worked the family farms and mercantile business. After attending the University of Texas, he served in the Army. In 1947 he married the love of his life, Helen Blackmon, and moved to Austin. Tom and his brother Moses opened a grocery store on East 6th Street and also went into the ranching business in Williamson County. Tom and Helen were blessed with four children. Tom retired from the grocery business in 1977 to concentrate on ranching, real estate, investments, and his family. He sold the Kouri Brothers Farms to Ed Bass who developed it into the present day La Frontera. Tom was a strong, big-hearted man with a great work ethic. He taught his loved ones about honesty, integrity and the importance of family. He contributed to many charities and took care of his extended family. He was a loyal, devoted Catholic, loving family man, and successful businessman. Tom will be missed dearly and cherished forever. Serving as Pallbearers are Richard Ferris, Jimmy Ferris, Richard Kouri, Michael Kouri, Curly Ferris and Brant Bommarito. Honorary Pallbearers are Forrest Troutman, Bruce Troutman and Bob Nicholas. Rosary will be held at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd., at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, December 26, 2007. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 27, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary's Cathedral, 203 E. 10th Street; burial to follow at Assumption Cemetery.