Thomas Gray Medders

Thomas (Tom ) Gray Medders Thomas (Tom) Gray Medders, died suddenly at home on November 15, 2006. Tom was born on September 10, 1953 in San Benito, in the lower Rio Grande Valley to John K. (Ken) Medders, Sr. and Danese Williams Medders. He attended public schools in San Benito and completed his high school education at Windsor Mountain Prep in Lenox, Massachusetts. He received his bachelor degree in business administration from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville and further post baccalaureate study Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business in Dallas. As a youth in the Valley during the 1960's, he spent his time working around the airport, surfing on Padre Island and playing his guitar. During those formative years, he developed his high degree of independence, his generosity, compassion and his contrarian ways. Following his graduation from the university, he was employed by Vetco Oil of Houston and worked on the African continent. On his return to Austin, Tom joined the Water Utility Department of the City of Austin where he worked for the next 22 years, variously as supervisor and technical trainer. Tom worked with the Texas Water Utilities Association, serving as an officer since 1987 and chair of the Central Texas Region in 2000 - 2001 and teaching across the state and annually at the Texas Engineering Extension Services at Texas A&M Unversity each spring. Commendations bestowed by the Association included the Meritorious Service and the Exemplary Services in Education and Training. Tom was always generous with his volunteer time, in city and state political campaigns and delivering Meals on Wheels for the United Action for the Elderly. Mr. Medders was predeceased by his father in 1978. He is survived by his mother, Danese, and brother Ken, Jr., who live in Bryan; his sister, Deborah Medders, of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts; a nephew, Carl David Medders, and wife Mary Frances Medders, of Dallas; and fiancé, Norma Guerra, of Austin. A memorial service will be held by the City of Austin on Monday, December 4 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Glen Bell Center, 3907 S. Industrial Dr., Austin, Texas. Funeral arrangements by Angel Funeral Home, Austin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the United Action for Elderly, Inc. Meals on Wheels Program, 3227 East 5th St., Austin, Texas, 78702 or a humanitarian organizaton of your choice. A memorial service will be held at the Thomae Funeral Home, San Benito on Friday, December 15 from 5:00 p.m. til 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to a humanitarian organization of your choice. Please view this obit at angel funeralhome.com