Tom Mathews

Tom was a true friend to all he met, and always put family first in his life.  He was the “the man-in-charge”, forever the General Manager in life.  Tom was gregarious, generous, and gracious to everyone he knew.  If you were a friend of Tom’s, you were a friend for life.  Tom loved to travel and entertain.  No table was too big to fully set and adorn, and no Christmas tree was too lit-up or decorated for him.  With Tom, anything worth doing was worth over-doing!  Cooking was one of his passions –he never used a recipe and the results were always delicious. 

Tom was sentimental at heart, and always wore his feelings on his sleeve.  He loved his fur babies and over the years thoroughly spoiled Dino, Sophia, CP, Weenie, Tommy, Tulip and Ted.

Tom was born (12/11/51) and raised in Kingsville, Texas.  He was a graduate of Texas A & I, and a proud member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.  After college he set off for travels through Europe and South Africa, including villa-living and a teaching job in Italy.   Tom was a lover of the Arts and everything British and Italian.  Eventually Tom settled in Houston to work in the hospitality/hotel business.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Rex and Billie Mathews, sisters Sandy Seekamp and Judy Williams, and partner of 18 years, Peter Rickaby.  He is survived by his husband of 20 years, Bob Hergenroeder, and sister Becky Rainbolt, her husband Gerald, and son Michael.  He is also survived by his nephew Steve Seekamp and his children Sydney, Matthew, and Blake; niece Kay Lynn Kuebel and husband Larry and children Mark, Carlie, and Colten; niece Joy Jaynes and husband Chris, and children Shaelyn, Treagen, Trael, and Trustley.  

Tom is also survived by his sister-in-law Pat Weigand, niece Brenda Butler and husband Tony and children Owen and Norah, nephew Michael Weigand-McNamee and wife Cara and daughter Clementine, brother-in-law Paul Hergenroeder and husband Derick Shapiro, brother-in-law Michael Kissel and wife Jane and children Christopher and Becky.

Tom will be forever remembered in our hearts as a loving spouse, dedicated son, a loyal and supportive sibling and cousin, and doting uncle to nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews alike.  He was often described as being “bigger than life.”

Tom passed peacefully in his sleep at home on 3/12/19 following an extended recovery from heart surgery.   Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2:00 pm at The Bristol, 3350 McCue Road, Houston, TX 77056.

In lieu of donations please consider giving to the charity of your choice in his name.

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