Dr. Tom Pearson

1941 - 2024

Dr. Tom Pearson
12/25/1941 - 08/07/2024
Dr. Thomas William Pearson was called home on August 7, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in the old downtown Houston Memorial Hospital, to Harry W. Pearson and Evelyn M. Pearson, on December 25, 1941. He was delivered by the same doctor who, three months later, delivered Gloria Poole, who was eventually to become his sweet wife. Tom and Gloria first met at vacation bible school at age ten, and were married 11 years later, in 1963.
Tom was a loving, devoted, and loyal husband, father, and grandfather, blessed with two children and three grandchildren. He was a faithful and active Christian, pilot, singer, and travel enthusiast. After graduating from the University of Texas Dental School, and orthodontic residency, in 1967, he had a solo orthodontic practice in southwest Houston for 57 years. He loved his patients so much that he refused to retire at a normal age, and considered his practice a hobby into his 80s. His faithful assistants of decades in the office, Sung and Suzy, added to his enjoyment.
Tom and Gloria lived to travel and live a life of discovery. They rarely took road trips, but would fly in Tom's trusty Cessna 206 all over the United States. Tom grew up in a musical family, and particularly liked acapella singing, especially singing in barbershop quartets. He was a member of the Houston Tidelanders Chorus, where he served as president, as well as several southern gospel quartets. He sang in the Innsiders Barbershop Quartet, which won the International Championship competition in 1976; this enabled the quartet to appear in shows all over the United States and England, while recording four albums. They also toured in Germany and Costa Rica.
Tom enjoyed being the director of the infamous "Boot Camp" Sunday School class at Second Baptist Church. This class was known for its group singing, outrageous comedy skits, and great Bible teaching. He was also an usher and deacon at Second Baptist Church.
He leaves behind his beautiful wife, Gloria Poole Pearson, of 61 years; his daughter, Chaille, and her husband, Kevin Thaete, of Victoria; and son, Gregory Pearson, and his wife, Carrie, and their children, Lainey, Bennett, and Connor, of Houston; brother, Jack Pearson, and wife, Marti, of Katy; sister, Nancy Anderwald, and husband, Randy, of New Waverly. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Pearson; mother, Evelyn Pearson; and brother, Danny Pearson.
Tom loved organizing reunions; family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, August 17, at 11 a.m., for a memorial service to celebrate his life, at Second Baptist Church in the Hankamer Chapel. Reception to follow in the Deacon's Parlor. Second Baptist Church is located at 6400 Woodway, 77057. A private graveside service has already been held.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Camp Peniel, 397 Peniel Path, Marble Falls, Texas 78654.