Tom Owen Means' Obituary
MEANS, TOM OWEN 75, died peacefully on the evening of July 10, 2008. A Dallas native, he was born July 31, 1932 to Ann English Means and Paul L. Means. Tom graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School before attending the University of North Texas, where he obtained both a bachelors and masters degree. He proudly served his country as a Fighter Pilot in the 27th Fighter Wing of the United States Air Force during the Korean War era before flying commercially for American Airlines for a number of years. Tom married Charlotte Sue Lovette on June 5, 1954 and in addition to raising two sons together, they helped to raise and educate legions of children together in the Richardson Independent School District. Beginning as a 4th grade teacher, Tom became the school principal for Greenwood Hills in the early 1960’s and engineered the growth of the RISD from 8 campuses to 50 during his tenure as Assistant Superintendent of Schools. Tom was a dedicated member and leader within the community, spearheading fundraising drives for a number of youth and community organizations and institutions throughout Richardson. Her served as President of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce and the Richardson Noon Lions Club, Treasurer of the Texas P.T.A. and a Board Member of the East Texas Chamber of Commerce. His peers recognized his dedication and hard work by naming him Lion of the Year in 1973 for the Richardson Noon Lions Club and Citizen of the Year for the City of Richardson in 1978. Taking a third career beyond piloting aircraft and guiding the RISD, Tom began working with Dallas County, overseeing the construction and maintenance of facilities crucial to the county’s development and enjoying long lasting relationships with many county commissioners and judges along the way. Tom was a true embodiment of someone who lived the Golden Rule and was one of those rare gentlemen whose handshake and word were promises never broken. No description of Tom would be complete without recognizing that his love for and knowledge of the great outdoors was truly beyond measure. He mentored both of his sons to the rank of Eagle Scout as their scoutmaster, and enjoyed camping, fishing, water skiing and just observing nature, quite simply, every chance he got. Tom is survived by his wife, Sue; his son, Michael Tom Means and wife Debi Means of Plano, Texas, his son, Mark Tom Means and his wife Susanne Means of Allen, Texas and his four grandchildren, Cameron, Samantha, Matthew and Emily Means who were, perhaps, the most blessed of all to have been endlessly doted upon and cherished by Poppa Tom. Visitation is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at Restland Funeral Home. A memorial service is planned for 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at Restland Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cal Farley Boys Ranch in Amarillo, Texas or the American Diabetes Association.
What’s your fondest memory of Tom?
What’s a lesson you learned from Tom?
Share a story where Tom's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Tom you’ll never forget.
How did Tom make you smile?