Thomas Harold Houston

1937 - 2023

Thomas Harold Houston
04/26/1937 - 05/22/2023
Thomas Harold Houston, a fifth generation Texan, was born in Crockett, Texas as the first son of Paul Alburn Houston and Evelyn Elizabeth Honeycutt Houston.
Tommy, as he was known then, grew up in the Houston Heights where, as a young man, he threw newspapers, graduated from Reagan High School and attended Baylor University. He married Shirley Gordon on August 3, 1957, a marriage that spanned more than 65 years. Tom and Shirley would both tell you what a wonderful life they had.
Tom was first in sales and later in real estate. He served in the Air National Guard and Reserves for six years. From 1977 to 2017 he owned The Houston Companies providing services that included litigation support, court reporting, records and video. In 1977 he became the first certified legal video specialist in Texas frequently speaking or training on a national level. He later owned Bear Creek Skating. He also was an officer in Skate City USA and Tradewinds Industrial Park.
In the late 1950s, when he was 21, he became known as Tom. He joined the Jaycees. That was the beginning of his long years of service. He won man of the month, was active in Consular Ball and was awarded a lifetime membership.
In 1972 he attended Southern Heritage Ball at the Warwick Hotel as the guest of Judge Solito and wife Sally. Tom started family research and found his ancestry through Thomas Macon Mullens qualified him to become a member of the Association that sponsored the ball. Two years later he became chair of the ball. It was moved to the River Oaks Country Club where it remained until the pandemic. His company later sponsored any female employee with one of the Houston Companies to research their ancestry. If they qualified for membership he would sponsor them as a debutante and pay for all expenses including the cost of the ballgown.
In 1975 he became Commander of the Albert Sidney Johnston No. 67 Camp. He has been on the Ball committee or benefactor since 1974. He was honorary chairman of the Southern Heritage Ball in 2003.
At the time of his death Tom was a member of the Military Order of Stars and Bars serving as Commander of the Houston Chapter No. 5 of the Texas Division. He was also a member of the Zachary Taylor Chapter of the Society of the War of 1812. He was serving as treasurer at the time of his death. Tom joined The Sons of the Republic of Texas later that year qualifying through his ancestor Almanzon Huston, Quartermaster General of the Republic of Texas Army.
Always promoting the SRT and Texas history Tom was in the Black Powder Brigade and was a member of the Texian Volunteers for 20 years. He represented SRT at many events and ceremonies across the state including Stephen F. Austin tree planting ceremonies in numerous counties, participated in San Jacinto Day activities at the San Jacinto Monument for over 25 years, presented or participated in some 200 presentations to schools, churches and historical groups in Texas, participated with the SRT float in the Tomball Parade for eight years and participated in the George Washington parade in Laredo for four years as well as participating in the commemoration of the Battle of Medina for five years. Tom participated in the 6th of March ceremonies for five years as a member of the SRT Executive Committee by laying a wreath in honor of the fallen heroes of the Alamo at the Alamo Church. He became a life member in SRT and for more than 50 years was a member of the San Jacinto Chapter #1. He served as an officer or a committeeman from 1997 to 2006; serving on various committees, Secretary-Treasurer, Second Vice President and First Vice President. Long active at the national level of the SRT Tom served as chair or co-chair of the hospitality room at annual meetings conventions and quarterly meetings for 18 years and he served as a committeeman or as an officer of the SRT for 20 years. He served as an officer as Treasurer General, Secretary General, Second Vice President General and First Vice President General. Furthermore, Tom received numerous certificates of appreciation as well as being on the President's List three times. He also received the SRT Distinguished Service Award in 2005.
Tom served the San Jacinto Chapter SRT from 1997 to 2006 serving as District Representative, Executive Committeeman, Treasurer, Secretary, Second Vice President and First Vice President. In 2018 he was awarded the Curt Osborne San Jacinto Star for outstanding service to the San Jacinto Chapter of SRT.
In 2014 Tom received the highest honor bestowed by The Sons of the Republic of Texas: Knighthood in the Order of San Jacinto. This elite honorary organization was established in 1843 by General Sam Houston, leader of the victorious Texans at the Battle of San Jacinto. The honor is accorded to those who have rendered outstanding service to Texas, in keeping with the mission, purpose and goals of The Sons of the Republic of Texas.
Tom was a life member of the Sons of the American Revolution and a member of the Paul Carrington Chapter #5 since 2002. He served on George Washington Dinner Committee for three years and as Treasurer and Vice President. Tom was a member of the Color Guard for 16 years.
Tom received special recognition for his role in helping host the 2018 National Congress of the Sons of the American Revolution held in Houston. Tom and Shirley were singled out for their role as co-chairs of the volunteer reception at the Czechoslovakia Museum.
Tom was a speaker for 10 years at George H. W. Bush Presidential Library educating school children in Texas history and the importance of our ancestors winning independence so we could have Texas as we know it today.
He served on the Reagan High School reunion committee since his graduation.
Tom served as a Deacon for the Second Baptist Church from 1999 until his death. He also served many years as First Balcony usher and the last 15 years as head usher.
Tom was a Lifetime member of the Jamestowne Society, The First Texas Company, a member of the National Society of Magna Charta Dames and Barons, Order of the Crown of Charlemagne of America, Order of Sons and Daughters of the Colonial and Antebellum Bench and Bar 1565-1861, National Society Sons and Daughters of Antebellum Planters 1607–1861, charter member of Order of the Descendants of the Justiciars, and a member of The Society of the Descendants of Washington's Army at Valley Forge.
Tom and Shirley greatly enjoyed parties and traveling together. On one trip to Europe they sailed on the Queen Elizabeth II with a return on the Concorde. In Europe some of the favorite cities were London, Venice, Monte Carlo and Paris. Taking the Orient Express from London to Venice with Shirley playing the piano in the lounge car was another of Tom's most memorable trips. Labor Day trips to Mackinac Island were favorites of Tom's. Cruising on the Mississippi Queen and playing on the calliope was great fun too.Then there were many trips to Las Vegas to see the shows. Tom's favorite of all the many parties they held was his 60th birthday celebration.
Tom is predeceased by his father Paul Houston, mother Elizabeth Houston Ellisor, stepfather Ernest Ellisor, stepbrother Mike Ellisor, father-in-law and mother-in-law Louis and Marie Gordon, sister-in-law Betty Gray, and brother-in-law Wil Gordon.
He is survived by Shirley, his wife of 65 years, brother Charles Houston, nephew Cory Houston, stepbrother, David Lee Ellisor (Linda), Robert Ellisor (Monica), brother-in-law Sonny Gray, sister-in-law, Judy Gordon, nephew Cody Gray (Wendy), and great nephew Austin Gray.
Graveside services were held on June 3, 2023 at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, Sir Knight Joe R. Davidson, Chaplain of the San Jacinto Chapter SRT, officiated.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sanctuary of the Woodway Campus-Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway Drive, on Friday, August 18th at 11:00 AM. Immediately following the ceremony a reception will be held in the Deacons' Parlor.
Services will be live streamed. The Reverend John Barksdale officiating.
The family requests donations in Tom's memory be sent to your church or charity of choice. If you wish to donate flowers, please send them to someone that is ill, or lonely, confined or perhaps to a special friend that needs a smile and to know that someone cares for them.
Shirley sends her love and sincere gratitude to all that loved Tom as she did.