THOMAS E. DIEHL, SR.

Thomas Edward Diehl, Sr., 68, of Plantersville, died Wednesday afternoon, July 17, 2019, at College Station Medical Center surrounded by his loving family and friends.

A gathering of family and friends took place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, July 21, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Plantersville. A parish rosary followed at 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass celebrating Thomas’s life was 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 22, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Edward C. Kucera, Jr. as the celebrant. The rite of committal took place in St. Mary Church Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were Judge Lester Underwood, Billy Lebeck, David (Rookie) Smith, Rick Atkinson, Larry Diehl, Brandon Ellis, Sheriff Don Sowell, John Klovenski and Colby Pyle.

Named as honorary pallbearers were Charles Yorek, Rodney Yorek, Gary Diehl, Gerald Schroeder, Tommy Breaux, Bill Boehm and Darrell Kimich.

Thomas was born February 20, 1951 in Navasota to Jack Jacob and Ruby Theresa Tomkivits Diehl of Plantersville. He graduated from Navasota High School in 1969 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Lackland AFB in San Antonio. He returned to Plantersville where he met the love of his life, Brenda Smith. They were married April 15, 1972 at St. Mary Catholic Church and had been married for 47 years.

Thomas worked for Mid-South Electric for a number of years and later adventured on his own as the owner/ operator of Tom’s Drozer Work and Tom’s Hauling and Backhoe. His passion was raising cattle. He ran a ranch operation while running his hauling business. Thomas loved a good cigar and playing 42 dominoes. A life member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Thomas volunteered many years at the bazaar beer booth and donated a prize heifer each year. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 4054 in Anderson as was well known for his support of St. Mary’s bazaar, Plantersville-Stoneham Volunteer Fire Dept., Plantersville Town Hall, Plantersville Stoneham Bunch and the Grimes County Fair. Thomas touched so many people in his 68 years.

Thomas was preceded in death by his loving children, Marcy Diehl Ellis, Thomas “Sport” Diehl, Jr., his parents, Jack and Ruby Diehl and a brother, Christopher “Christy” Diehl.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Diehl of Plantersville; son-in-law, Brandon Ellis of Centerville; brothers, Martin J. “Sonny” Diehl of Houston, Jacob Diehl and wife Beatrice, Phillip Diehl, both of Plantersville and Alfred Diehl and wife Becky of Spring; sisters, Mary Yorek and husband Charles, Theresa Diehl, both of Planters-ville, Elizabeth Wymola and husband Charles of Round Rock, Frances Canilito and husband Sam of Bryan along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a great number of friends.

In lieu of usual remembrances the family has requested memorials in Thomas’s name to a favorite charity.

You are invited to sign the guest book and leave condolences for the family at www.lindleyrobertsonholt.com.