Thomas Wade Anderson was born on March 11, 1945, to Margaret Abel Anderson and Ralph Wade Anderson in Houston, Texas.

Tom's school teacher mother was an avid musician, while his father worked in the shipyard and was a golfer and outdoorsman. These influences shaped his young life, as Tom began playing the piano at an early age and then became an accomplished pianist. Throughout his life, he would often stop at the piano and play an impromptu concert, which always included his favorite Boogie Woogie song.  During high school, he earned his Eagle Scout and was a proud member of the Bellaire High School marching band.

After high school, Tom enrolled in the University of Houston where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. He then attended South Texas School of Law until family obligations necessitated that he change his career focus.

Tom met his future wife, Sheila Giffhorn Anderson, in 1968, and they married in 1969.  Throughout their marriage, they lived in Houston, Spring, Brookshire, and Tomball.  They have two girls, Kristen Beesaw, and Laura Hart. He is also survived by his sons-in-law, Kevin Beesaw and Danny Hart, and grandchildren Evelyn Beesaw, Claire Beesaw, and Wyatt Hart.

Tom believed in working hard to take care of his family. This began when he worked at Methodist Hospital during college and then as an executive for the Boy Scouts of America. The majority of his career was spent in the insurance industry where he worked as a claims adjuster, claims manager, or a claims examiner for companies such as Industrial Indemnity, Crum and Forster, Abercrombie, Simmons & Gillette, AIG, and his own company, Anderson Cruse and Associates.

Those who knew Tom know he always had an opinion or story to share.  His family, friends, and co-workers all benefited and grew from his often-colorful pearls of wisdom.  He also had an interest in old cars.  He regularly attended the local car shows and spent many years lovingly refurbishing his 1970 Buick Grand Sport. He also enjoyed renovating, painting, and finishing homes. Never one to pass up a good meal, Tom also kept up a garden to have fresh vegetables for the table.

In later life, Tom enjoyed relaxing on the porch, tending his roses, traveling, the great outdoors, and playing golf with family and friends.  His favorite places included Yellowstone National Park and Ruidoso, New Mexico.

Tom passed from this earthly life on May 23, 2022, at the age of 77, after a valiant fight against cancer.  A private family memorial service will be held at a future date.  Donations in Tom's honor may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.