Tom Marek

1941 - 2009

Tom Marek, 68, resident of Carlsbad for more than 35 years, passed away Friday, May 29, 2009, in Lubbock, Texas. He was predeceased by his parents.
Thomas Lee Marek was born April 16, 1941, to John Thomas and Marcita Mae (Bobbie) Marek in Waco, Texas. Tom earned his bachelor's degree at Baylor University, majoring in history and economics. In 1959 he moved with his family to Albuquerque. While attending UNM, he met his future wife, Shila Jeanne Craige. They were married on Aug. 31, 1968. He graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1968.
After law school, Tom practiced for a few years in Albuquerque with Lorenzo Tapia and Mark Prelo and later with Joe Paone and Jim Vaughan. In late 1972, he moved south to Carlsbad with his beautiful bride and started practicing law with the McCormick and Forbes Law Firm. Later he started his own Law Firm with Ernie Yarbro. The firm eventually became Marek and Francis, and remains so today. Tom and Shila had three wonderful sons; Tom Jr., Grant and John (JC) who all love and miss their father deeply.
Tom was a member of the American and NM Bar Associations. He was the CMS Board attorney for 25 years as well as represented numerous other corporations. He was very active in Grace Episcopal Church to include the vestry and the building committee. He was a long time member of Rotary. He loved the outdoors and sports and was a member of Boy Scouts, Ducks Unlimited and Sportsmen Club. He was a faithful member of the Coffee Klatch.
Tom loved traveling the world with his wife Shila and remembering people by nicknames, (i.e. Cutie, Tomás, #2 son, JC, Patty Lou, am/pm). His sons called him Chucko. Dad had a number of hobbies, but he thoroughly enjoyed the practice of law, serving his church and his family. He was a tremendous husband, father, and servant of his community.
If you knew Tom, you would know he didn't care for emotional displays so much as hard, disciplined work and lots of good jokes and learning. He loved looking things up or better yet, getting you to look it up. He would start conversations with strangers wherever he went. His ability to make principled, difficult decisions made his time here important, relevant and invaluable. He will be greatly missed.
Tom is survived by his wife, Shila, of the home; his son, Tom Jr. of Dallas, Texas; son, Grant, of Albuquerque; son, John, of Albuquerque; granddaughter, Natalya, of Beaverton, Ore.; sister, Claire O'Dowd and husband, Gary of Albuquerque; his brother, John Marek and wife, Lillian of San Antonio, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation of the body will be held from 1-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at West Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 4, at Grace Episcopal Church. A reception for family and friends will be held in the parish Hall at the conclusion of the services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Episcopal Church Memorial Fund for a stained glass window or charity of your choice. Mail to: Grace Episcopal Church, P.O. Drawer PP, Carlsbad, NM 88220.