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Burleson High School

Thomas McPhail Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 24, 2025.

Thomas J. McPhail, of Burleson, Texas, passed away on May 22, 2025, at the age of 60. Born on December 4, 1964, in Houston, Texas, Thomas lived a life marked by service, faith, and deep devotion to his family, church, and community.

Thomas graduated from Burleson High School in 1984 and received a B.A. degree from Texas Lutheran University in 1988.

Thomas dedicated 27 years of his professional life to the Arlington Police Department, where he served with distinction. Much of his career was spent as a School Resource Officer (SRO), a role in which he made a lasting impact on countless students and school communities. His commitment to public safety extended beyond Arlington; he also served with the Tarrant County Courts and Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD Police Department. Through these roles, Thomas exemplified integrity and compassion in law enforcement.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Thomas was a man of unwavering faith. He placed God above all else and actively served his church community for many years. His contributions included work in children's ministry, men's ministry, prayer team, and leading Financial Peace University classes-each role reflecting his desire to uplift others spiritually and practically.

Thomas cherished his family deeply. He is survived by his beloved wife, Robin McPhail; his son Bryce McPhail and daughter-in-law Miranda McPhail; his daughter Kayla Carroll and son-in-law Brett Carroll; and three treasured granddaughters: Charlotte McPhail, Madeline McPhail, and Saylor Carroll. His brothers Guy McPhail and sister-in law Jane, Jeff McPhail, Mickey McPhail and sister-in-law Lisa. His love for them was evident in every aspect of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and J.D. McPhail.

Thomas J. McPhail will be remembered for the way he loved those around him-with warmth, strength, and sincerity. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched both in uniform and at home.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. The service will be held on May 27, 2025, at Movement City Church, 5301 Altamesa Blvd, Fort Worth.

Visitation: 10-11:00

Celebration of Life: 11:00

Reception: Following the service

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the following organizations that were a huge blessing to Thomas.

DBU baseball (Christ centered championship baseball)

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/50385/donations/new

OR

Arlington Police Foundation

Arlingtonpolicefoundation.org/donate

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Recent Activity

June 21, 2025

Lisa Marie Chambers posted to the memorial.

May 30, 2025

Stache Johnson posted to the memorial.

May 27, 2025

Laura McPhail posted to the memorial.

25 Entries

Lisa Marie Chambers

June 21, 2025

My Brother Chris that works for Arlington Police Department just told me TJ had passed. TJ, Che´ryl and I knew each other from Houston. My Mom and I moved back to Irving after Hurricane Alicia, my brother followed shortly after us. I found out that TJ and his mom moved to Burleson. My mom remarried and moved 2 streets away from TJ´s mom. I found out that TJ worked for Arlington Police Department and so did my brother (small world). I was going through a nasty divorce while pregnant with my son. TJ helped keep me sane and made me realize that I didn´t have to be in love with someone that had no respect for me and our daughter and son. He didn´t preach to me but he and his mom brought me back to our Lord so that I could be the best person and parent I could be when my ex was being malicious. TJ and his mom were so sweet and they were always there for me. His mom even got me going to church with her. Nowadays it is so hard to find people that actually care and help people wanting nothing in return. My heart hurts for his wife, kids, and grandkids. There is no doubt TJ is in heaven watching over his family, friends, coworkers and students as well as being a guardian angel to everyone! May our Lord and Savior wrap his arms around his family....in Jesus name I pray. Lisa M Chambers

Stache Johnson

May 30, 2025

Great guy remember him from junior high he will be missed but never forgotten

Laura McPhail

May 27, 2025

I have been blessed by my brother-in-law J for many years. I first met him when he was about 12 years old and had the opportunity to see him grow into the kind hearted family man he had become. He was always there, along with his other brothers, in times of need. I will never forget that. Continued prayers for Robin and all the family for peace, provision and unity.

Alan Hicks

May 27, 2025

I had the honor of working with Thomas at TCSO. Thomas was such a great person. I am blessed to have had many conversations with him about The Lord. He was the type of person that his goodness and kindness shined through and effected everyone that knew him. I pray for comfort and peace for his family during this time. RIP friend

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Paul Skendrovic

May 27, 2025

Rest in Peace Thomas you were a great officer and even more of a friend. God Bless you and your family

Kelly Velder

May 27, 2025

Thomas and I were in the Arlington Police Departments Academy Class #1 together. He always smiled, always shared kind words, and was always a dedicated officer. Most importantly was his love for the Lord which always inspired me. May the Lord Bless and keep the McPhail family during this time.

Bill & Iva Roberts

May 26, 2025

Deepest sympathy to the family. May God bless you with the peace and comfort during your time of grief.
You are loved.

Bill & Iva Roberts

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Uncle Thomas Anthony Krsak

May 26, 2025

Uncle Thomas A. Krsak had many memories of being around all the boys when they were real young and watch them grow thru the years. Thomas J was named after his Uncle which is Elizabeth´s brother. Sad to hear the loss of such a wonderful Man. I will find pictures. We Love and will miss you Thomas J.

Aubry Jones

May 25, 2025

Thank you so much for looking out for us kids. I was going down a bad path and was scared and skipping class. You caught me, but you didn't yell or get mad. You came to me like a concerned parent and gently gave me advice. Because of you I didn't skip anymore and watched my behavior, cause I knew someone that actually cared was watching me. You did that for a lot of my classmates as well. I can only hope my kids have someone like you looking out for them if they ever find themselves in the same position.

Ron Furman

May 25, 2025

I was sad to hear about Tom. What a great guy. I worked Patrol when he was SRO at Lamar. It was always a pleasure to back him up. He was so respected and professional. God Bless.

LaDonna Hale

May 25, 2025

For 20 years Ernie and I had the privilege of being Thomas and Robin´s neighbors My first encounter with Thomas was me trying to get our lawnmower height changed and I just didn´t have the strength to do it. Just then Thomas pulled into his driveway and I asked him if he could help me. From that day on we were friends! I hope we´re neighbors in heaven.

Lisa McPhail

May 25, 2025

So sorry for your family´s loss.

Brett McDonnell

May 25, 2025

Prayers to your family. Such a great man in all respects. His dignity and devotion to the Lord was unwavering.

Penny Bunch

May 25, 2025

Very kind man with a helping hand. I only new him for a short time but in that time he made an impression. My prayers go out to all his friends and family

Kit Behringer

May 25, 2025

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Alyson

May 24, 2025

He was kind helpful and he was awesome to be round

Ignacio Cruz

May 24, 2025

From Calvary Cathedral to TCSO, and to EMS-ISD PD. See you at heaven gates brother!

William C Carmichael

May 24, 2025

Thomas is one of few men I respected and envied in his faith. Never heard him say anything negative word about someone and only once heard him raise his voice. I am thankful for knowing him.

Pennie J Franklin

May 24, 2025

My condolence goes to you, Robin and to the family. I am truly sadness, but I know he's in a better place. Thank you, both.
For teach me the right way of the power prayer strength. And most of all.
Financial peace.
Thank you so much. He will be truly missed.

Debbie Eudy

May 24, 2025

Thinking about Tom´s family during this time. Prayers for peace, comfort and protection over them. Tom was loved by all his coworkers at APD, I´ll always remember his wonderful smile. Much love to his precious family.