Thomas Carron

1952 - 2024

Carron, Thomas

April 10, 1952 - August 1, 2024

Tom Carron was born April 10, 1952, and entered his final resting on August 1, 2024, at the age of 72. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Dorothy Carron, and by his first wife and mother of his children, Eva Linda Hatch Carron. Tom is survived by his wife, Lisa Potter; his sons Anthony (Hillary), Fletch (Paige) and daughter Alina; grandchildren Eva, Ellie, Fletcher and Liana; Lisa's children, Shane (Kari) and Trevor (Marisa) and siblings Sister Judy Carron RSM, Bob Carron (Paulette), Phyllis Johnson (Jim), and Jim Carron (Terri).

Tom felt that all men and women were created equal and lived his life that way. Tom grew up in Ascension parish in North St. Louis County, making friends and playing CYC sports. Friendships were a hallmark of Tom's life, whether the setting was social, business, political, charitable, or sports. In 1970 Tom graduated from McBride High School in St. Louis, where he played football and basketball. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree (cum laude in Contemporary Man) from St. Louis University in 1976, Tom launched his business career as a general contractor, teaching himself the many skills involved in the rehab of buildings.

During the early years of his business, Tom focused on the renovation of residential properties for families who lived in low and moderate-income neighborhoods throughout the City of St. Louis. As Tom's business developed, his projects grew larger and more complex. Over time, Tom began to focus on project management and was able to hire talented carpentry crews and build relationships with a variety of subcontractors for his growing business. Tom went on to build large custom additions and new homes in upscale St. Louis suburbs such as Ladue, Clayton and Frontenac.

Washington University in St. Louis became aware of Tom's talents and hired him for many projects both on- and off-campus, including a total rehab of the Chancellor's Mansion. Tom also oversaw the renovation of the President's residence at Missouri Botanical Garden. He was well-respected by clients, many of whom became close friends, as well as by architects and all who worked for him.

Tom continued playing sports, including slow-pitch softball with many of his closest friends from McBride. Later, basketball and golf became his primary sporting activities. Many of his friends remember Tom as the scrappy guy showing up week after week for Sunday pickup games at De Smet High School. Tom played his final round of golf on October 3, 2023, at a Folds of Honor tournament. Two months later he was diagnosed with ALS.

Tom was generous with his time and resources, often helping young people get on their feet through employment or with direct financial assistance. One of Tom's favorite volunteer activities was coaching basketball. Having coached his daughter's teams for years, once Alina was off to college he sought a new team to help. He offered his skills to Mathews-Dickey Club in St. Louis and was put in charge of the girls' team, coaching them for many years until they all moved on, many of them playing through their college years. Tom cherished his time as coach and is still well remembered for the swarming defensive style he demonstrated for his players, prompting them to dub him "The Gnat."

Although he always stood up for what he believed and was frequently outspoken, Tom preferred to lead by example. He was a longtime supporter of Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, where his sister Judy was a highly respected staff member for many years. In addition, he was a lifelong advocate for Al-Anon and helped countless people find the way to a better life.

In 2013, Tom closed up shop and moved to southern California, where he worked for several years as a project manager for a high-end residential builder of multimillion-dollar homes. He also worked with his son Anthony, launching numerous restaurants throughout California.

Later Tom met and fell in love with and married Lisa Potter. They settled in Goleta, California, where Lisa worked at Stow House, a U.S. historical landmark and headquarters of the Goleta Valley Historical Society. They lived on the Stow House grounds, and Tom set about using his unique skills to improve the property and leave a legacy of care for its upkeep and future growth. Lisa was happy that Tom could be involved with her work and frequently spending time with Lisa's granddaughter, Liana. Tom's dedication to the work on the property and his empathy and generosity towards all he met made a lasting impression.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. PST at The Stow House, 304 N. Los Carneros Road, Goleta, Ca. 93117. In addition, a celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, December 28 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Road 63117.

In lieu of flowers, please make a tribute gift in memory of Tom Carron in support of ALS Network. You can donate at alsnetwork.org or call (818) 865-8067 x244. You may also scan the QR code below for a link to ALS Network. If you prefer to send your donation by mail, please send to ALS Network, PO Box 7082, Woodland Hills, CA 91365.