Thomas Edgar Croley

Thomas (Tom) Edgar Croley passed away on January 30, 2017 from cancer. Born on April 30, 1940 to Alma and Thomas Croley, Sr. in Gladewater, TX. Tom earned his B.S. and M.S. in microbiology from East Texas State College in 1964. He went on to complete his Ph.D. in human anatomy at Baylor College of Dentistry in 1971 and completed his postdoctoral work at NASA. He began his 25-year teaching career in 1972 at Louisiana State University Medical School and then moved to Denton in 1977, where he joined the faculty as an associate professor at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. He subsequently moved to Texas Women's University (TWU) in 1980 as a professor and taught hundreds of students in physical therapy, biology, and allied health. He earned the rank of professor emeritus when he retired from TWU in 1997. He then opened the Gutenlase Energy Center and focused his efforts on helping others through homeopathic methods.

He married Annette Polhemus in Wichita Falls, TX, on January 23, 1964, and they were happily married for 53 years. Tom was known for his one-liners and puns, and found his greatest pleasure in teaching others, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and enjoying the periodic dark ale.

In addition to his wife, Annette, Tom is survived by his three sons: David, his wife, Mona, and grandchildren Sam and Sarah, of Austin; Brenton and his wife, Carrie, of Carrollton, and Philip of Moorpark, CA. He also leaves behind his sister, Janell Chesnut and her husband, Tom, of Austin, and nephews, Jim Hogg of Dripping Springs and John Hogg of Austin. The family wishes to thank Dawn and Stephen Jones of Selah Ridge Adult Care Home for their kind and compassionate care.

A memorial service for Tom will be held at 10 am on Friday, February 3, at Denton Funeral Home, 120 South Carroll Blvd, Denton, TX, 76201. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association North Central Texas, 2630 West Freeway, Suite 100, Fort Worth, TX 76102.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Denton Record-Chronicle from Feb. 1 to Feb. 3, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Croley

Sponsored by Denton Funeral Home & Cremation Svcs.

11 Entries

Ron Carlton

January 14, 2023

I very much appreciated his teaching of human anatomy. He provided the foundation of my understanding of Physical Therapy. He will be missed.

Karen Glasco

August 5, 2021

I just found out about Dr Croleys passing. I am sorry such a fine man is gone. He helped me so much and I am so grateful to him.

Lori and Steve Sweet

April 10, 2018

Dr. Croley was an outstanding person and a brilliant scientist who provided many valuable insights into understanding the body and energy medicine. He was always a pleasure to work with and helped our therapy products reach into the medical field and help cancer patients and many others. We miss him deeply and extend our belated condolences to Annette and all the family at this time. Our prayers are with you always.

May 1, 2017

My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. I was a physical therapy student and an assistant with his gross anatomy labs. He was a great instructor and a mentor for me. One of my favorite teachers ever. God Bless you Dr. Croley.
Joel Acosta PT

Lety W

February 22, 2017

He saved my daughter's life. I miss him terribly. Thank you, Dr. Croley, for your gift. I will treasure it always. Praying for the family, especially Mrs. Croley.

February 15, 2017

Wonderful teacher and inspiration to me. The respect he showed the cadavers we learned from prompted me to donate my body to science. A very valuable time of learning. Blessings Ruth Scribner Hospice PT

Mary Thompson, PT, PhD

February 14, 2017

Tom was great with the physical therapy students at Texas Woman's University. His humor was welcomed as he shared his knowledge with others. Tom is well remembered by many.

A. H.

February 6, 2017

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Words of comfort

February 5, 2017

Sorry for the loss of your love one, may you find comfort in knowing that those who have passed on in death God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. Psalms116:15.

February 1, 2017

Annette my heart goes out to you. What a wonderful person and he helped so many people. My family is forever grateful. May God give you comfort at this time. You have our blessings.Diane Bohac

February 1, 2017

I'm very sorry for the loss of your loved one, Thomas. May you find comfort in prayer, in family and friends (Romans 12:12 and 15).

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