THOMAS EDWARD DAVIS

Deacon Thomas Davis died December 15, 2017, at the age of 87.

Deacon Tom was born in St. Charles, Illinois, March 21, 1930, to Benton W Davis and Mary Ann Haines, who, with his sister, Mary Ellen Racel, and brother, Charles D Davis, preceded him in death.

Tom's family followed his father's employment stations in many states, Territory of Alaska and in Columbia, South America. Tom attended schools in those locations, and New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM. Serving in the US Army Reserve, he was called to active duty in Korea in 1950 and served as a forward observer. Upon discharge, he entered the University of New Mexico under the GI Bill and, at graduation in 1956, accepted a commission in the US Navy. He served on the USS Chukawan, USS Ranger as a deck officer, USS Tulare as Chief Engineer and Executive Officer, was commanding officer of Naval Reserve Centers in Peoria and Forest Park, Illinois.  He also served as Chief Staff Officer of Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region Seven, Charleston, SC and retired as a Commander in 1979. While stationed in Charleston, he earned a Master's degree from Webster University.

After retirement, Tom taught Navy JROTC at North Charleston High School for twelve years. During that time, he began his formation classes leading to his ordination as a Roman Catholic Deacon in 1993 at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Charleston, SC. He served as a deacon at the Naval Weapons Station Chapel, St. Thomas and St. Teresa parishes and as a police chaplain in Charleston. He also has been an adult leader in Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts.

While serving in San Diego in 1968, Tom met Mary Jayne Lyons (love at first sight for both); they married March 9, 1968, and were anticipating their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 2018. They loved worshiping, dancing, traveling, swimming, dining, learning, exploring and entertaining together. Tom was an avid amateur radio operator, WD4EOC, and a lover of bagpipe music.

Tom is survived by his brother, Benton W Davis, Jr.; his beloved wife, Jayne; his beloved children, Perry (Jerri) Davis of Boone, NC and Kellie (Andrew) Berger of Cypress, TX; grandchildren, EN2 Patrick Davis USN of San Diego, CA, and Lydia Berger of Garland, TX, Jacob Berger of Tempe, AZ and Sara Berger of Cypress, TX, two step-grandchildren Stephen Boozer of SC and Jamie Holden of NC, seven step-great grandchildren in the Carolinas and many nieces and nephews across the U.S.

Viewing will occur on Thursday December 21 ^st at St. Anne Catholic Church 1111 South Cherry St. Tomball, Texas 77375 at 5pm with Rosary and prayer service at 6:30pm. Viewing will also occur Friday, December 22 ^nd at 9am with a Funeral Mass to follow at 10:00am. Burial will be in Houston National Cemetery, Houston TX at 1:30pm with a brief committal service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anne Catholic Church, or to a church or charity of your choice. If you wish to send flowers, please deliver them to Klein Funeral Home Tomball, 1400 West Main Street, Tomball TX, 77375 .