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Thomas Horan Obituary
Horan, Jr.
1945-2018
Tom Horan was the Irishman whose face, as well as his pen, had become notorious through the boom, bust and post-boom eras of Houston!
Horan, a native Houstonian, was a graduate of St. Thomas High School and the University of St. Thomas.
Horan, a former restaurateur and public relations executive, authored dining guides. Horan was the Senior Editor of America's Top Ten Club and served on the board of the Center for Irish Studies at the University of St. Thomas.
Horan was a member of the Irish Society, a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, past President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Dick Dowling Division, Usher at St. Anne Catholic Church, a member of the Holy Sepulchre and a member of the Houston Club.
Horan was honored to be the Grand Marshal of the 2001 Houston St. Patrick's Day Parade and received the 2005 Rev. Vincent J. Guinan, CSB Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of St. Thomas.
One of Horan's many prized projects was his attempt to save the Shamrock Hotel from the wrecking ball and his many years of commemorating the gone but not forgotten Shamrock with a wreath laying ceremony.
Horan was honored by John Rydman, owner of Spec's, by having an Irish Whiskey named after him, Old Tom Horan Irish Whiskey and Old Tom Horan Irish Cream. "Being an Irish Catholic and having an Irish Whiskey named after me is better than being canonized a Saint!" - Tom Horan
Horan is survived by his wife Jeani. They have three children: Thomas Joseph Horan III; Elizabeth Susan Horan, husband Curtis King; and Gregory Francis Horan, wife Cathryn. The Horan's have six grandchildren: Thomas Joseph Horan IV, Gabriela Marie Horan King, Nicholas Francis Horan King, Jonathon Edward Horan King,
Bailey Frances Horan and Kenzie Loren Horan.
Horan is also survived by his brothers: George, Michael, John and Tim, wife Amanda and daughter-in-law Bernardette Scambray and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Friends are invited to a visitation with the family on Thursday, July 5, 2018 from five until seven o'clock in the evening at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer Road, in Houston. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 6, 2018 at ten o'clock in the morning at St. Anne Catholic Church with the Rev. James Harnan officiating. The mass will be followed by a reception in St. Basil Hall. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Thomas High School and the University of St. Thomas.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Horan
Sponsored by Bradshaw-Carter Memorial & Funeral Services - Houston.
23 Entries
Thomas Horan
March 27, 2025
My Dad!
Thomas Joseph Horan III
November 10, 2021
I miss my dad. Sometimes, we forget how precious our time is with our loved ones.
Stephanie Smith
November 12, 2018
What a wonder privilege to know both of you. The times we spent together brought great joy! You will be in my prayers Jeanie and your entire family. May the peace that passes all understanding continue to carry you all through these times. God bless you on your journey. Much Love
Mary Helen Cavazos
October 29, 2018
Dear Tom - I knew you from your always- welcoming smile whenever I attended the 11: o'clock mass at St. Anne's Catholic Church. You and your wife, Jean, always greeted me as if I was an old friend. The first time you introduced yourself to me was when you saw my photo as one of the women selected for the Texas Executive Women - "Women on the Move" luncheon in 2003. It is hard to believe it was that long ago but I had no idea what a celebrity and what an incredible life you led. You and your wife once invited me to breakfast after mass to a Mexican Restaurant on Shepherd which I loved but have never had the pleasure of going to since then. When I found out that you were a food and wine connoisseur, I once called you and asked for your advice as to where my grandson could take his then girlfriend (now wife) for a special treat after graduation. You were so kind and gave me a couple of places they would enjoy.
I had missed seeing you at mass but it was not so unusual as I sometimes would go to the 9:00 a.m. mass to get an early start to the day. I just found out today of your passing but your beautiful wife and family are right there in the same pew where you always sat.
My deep condolences to your family and I am sure your spirit lives on and I am certain that you are smiling down at us every Sunday morning.
Thank you for always making me feel special!
M. Helen Cavazos
Erin McCauley mireles
July 23, 2018
To the Horan family
Mr. Horan was a great person and neighbor. I remember in 2001 when Juan was healing from his surgery. As Juan would walk the circle, Mr. Horan would encourage him to go further. Please accept my deepest condolances
Anthony Cavendet
July 12, 2018
Tom Horan was a great neighbor and a wonderful friend to everyone he met. His inimitable gregariousness was part and parcel of his deeply-held Catholic faith. Our condolences to his wonderful family.
His was a life that was lived with joy.
Harold Coates
July 8, 2018
Jeani, I am so sorry for your loss. I have many great memories of Tom, before and then when he met you. He was a great guy.
joseph galbraith
July 7, 2018
I am sorry for your loss. He was a great guy. I remember him well at the St. Patrick Day Parades.
July 6, 2018
Sincere sympathy sent from the family of Mary Horan MacFarlane from Connecticut.
Mary & Michael Palacios
July 5, 2018
We're so very sorry for your loss. May God surround you with His comfort & peace that surpass all understanding.
Sally Duncan
July 5, 2018
Please accept my condolences at the loss of Tom Horan. His larger personality and joy of life made the world a brighter place.
Janet Pritsker
July 5, 2018
To the Horan Family. I met him briefly and he had a great impression on me. His love of family, birth or friend, was obvious and caring. May the love of our Lord sustain you through this sad time. May your loving memories of him bring you comfort. - Janet Pritsker
July 3, 2018
Sorry for your loss.
ann laws
July 3, 2018
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Tom always had a smile on his face and twinkle in his eye. Sorry we cannot attend his service as we are out of town, Love Bob and Ann Laws
John Kelly
July 3, 2018
Tom was a great friend to everyone, including my Dad (Art Kelly) and me. I never met anyone who did not like and love Tom Horan. His presence always brought a smile to everyone he met. Tom was someone we could all aspire to be.
July 3, 2018
Thinking of your family during this season of sorrow, but also joy that he is at peace in Jesus Name. He lived a fulfilling life of joy and love. May his legacy live on! He is Truly missed. Lv, The Remkes
Courtney Turpin
July 2, 2018
Mr. Horan had a presence about him with a smile and eyes that lit up a room. He had a welcoming laugh that made you feel as if you'd known him your whole life. He would greet me singing Hullabaloo, Caneck, Caneck knowing I was a proud Aggie. He always made our son, Jakob, feel so welcome at his house and favorite Restaurants. I know how special he was to Mrs. Horan, Elizabeth, and the whole family. Our hearts go out to the grandkids as we could see the sparkle and grin on Gabriela, Nicky and Johnny's face every time they would tell a story about him. I know he misses all of you here on Earth, but I can just imagine his amazement and joy in heaven. Until we all meet again, your family is in my prayers. Much Love from The Turpin Family.
July 2, 2018
To the Family of Tom Horan, my deepest and sincerest condolences. Tom will always carry a special place in my heart and I will always remember his spirited and bubbly personality. Heaven has gained a true treasure. So very sorry for you loss. My heart breaks.
Carol L Goudreau
July 2, 2018
To the Family, my dearest and most sincere condolences to you. Tom's gentle and complimentary nature will always be fond memories.
Angela Price
John McCarthy
July 2, 2018
Jeani, Thomas, Elizabeth, and Greg I send you my deepest condolences. I will forever be grateful to Tom as my Mentor and reason for becoming an Usher at St. Anne. I learned from the best and he always had an encouraging and kind word for me. God Bless Tom and God Bless each of you. I will miss my dear friend who made me proud of my Irish heritage.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
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Memorial Events
for Thomas Horan
Jul
5
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
St. Anne Catholic Church
2140 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX
Jul
6
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
St. Anne Catholic Church
2140 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX
Jul
6
Burial
Holy Cross Cemetery
Houston, TX
Funeral services provided by:
Bradshaw-Carter Memorial & Funeral Services - Houston1734 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098
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