Thomas Michael "Tom" Ehlinger

Houston - Thomas Michael Ehlinger (Col. Ret), 70, of Houston passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2018. Tom was born October 19, 1947 in San Antonio, Texas to Herman Joseph and Vlasta (Pat) Orsak Ehlinger. His survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathleen (Kathy) Rhone Ehlinger; daughter, Melinda; son, Daniel; brother, Ernest (Ernie) Ehlinger & wife Karin; niece Jennifer Ehlinger and grand-niece Emelia Ehlinger, all of Woodbridge, VA. Aunt, Mrs. Julia Timm, Hallettsville, TX. Tom is also survived by numerous cousins, extended family and dear friends.

Tom was raised in San Antonio, Texas and attended St. Margaret Mary's Catholic School. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1965. Earned a BS in Physics from St. Mary's University in 1969. He also earned a MS from Florida Institute of Technology in 1978 and was a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College and Army War College. He met and married the love of his life, Kathy in 1970 in San Antonio. Tom served in the United States Army for 26 years before retiring with the rank of Colonel. His military assignments included Germany, Korea, Egypt, Kuwait and assignments in the United States. He was a veteran of the Gulf War.

After his Army career he worked for Valley Telephone Co-op Inc. in Raymondville, Texas for four years. He was currently employed by the Stafford Municipal School District as Senior JROTC instructor. He had started the program in 2002 and it was his pride and joy.

Tom was a longtime member of St. Jerome Catholic Church where he was Head Usher and a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Diefenbach Council 4550 and past Grand Knight. He was also a 4th Degree member and most recently Faithful Navigator of the Msgr. William D. Steele Assembly 2033.

The Ehlinger family was present to receive friends Friday, May 18, 2018 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00 PM at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 8825 Kempwood Drive, Houston, TX 77080. The Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, May 19, 2017 at 11:00 AM. A reception followed Holy Mass in the Father Raye Center on the church campus. Tom will be laid to rest at a later date in Holy Cross Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Tom's memory to Knights of Columbus Council 4550 Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Jerome Catholic Church, Central Catholic High School Building Fund, c/o Central Catholic High School, 1403 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX. 78215, or St. Mary's University, One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX. 78228. Visit www.DettlingFuneral.com to leave words of condolence for the family.