Thomas E. Swenson

Thomas Elmo Swenson, 81, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Saturday, April 2, 2011. He was born on the family farm in Manor, Texas on February 8, 1930, the son of Thomas and Olive Swenson. He was the youngest of eight children.

He is survived by his wife Helen Swenson; children Debi Hamilton, Tommy Swenson Jr. and wife Georgia; Brothers Eddie Swenson and Dan Swenson; grandchildren Jade Greenough, Kira Greenough, Ryan Swenson and wife Tanya, Tahlia Morgan and husband Dallas, Clayton Swenson, and Hope Hamilton; great-grandchildren Beau and Annabella Swenson; many nieces and nephews; and pets Chloe, Peanut, Kobe, and Snickers.

Tommy attended school through the fifth grade when he left to begin working to take care of his family. He worked on the family farm and got his very first paying job as a teenager at RC Cola Company. At the age of 19, Tommy joined the Army, serving a four year term. He was a supply sergeant and cook during the Korean War.

In the early 50’s Tommy began working for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. He worked for many years delivering Coca-Cola to all of south Austin. He met the love of his life, Helen, at the local roller skating rink, and they wed on November 8, 1955. They were married for over 55 years.

He worked multiple jobs to support his wife and two children. He gave them everything they could have ever wished for. Tommy started his own business, Oak Hill Service Company, in the early 60’s and turned it over to his son, Tommy Jr., in 2000. After retiring, Tommy enjoyed selling barbeque wood and fire wood, spending time with his best friend and brother-in-law, Woodrow, and grocery shopping at H-E-B. He loved cooking for his family and had the best turkey and dressing you’ve ever tasted.

Tommy was a friend to many and a stranger to no one. He was a faithful husband, a loving father and an incredible Grandpa. He took care of his family, stuck to his word and never let anyone down. He loved people and people knew that.

We are all very blessed to have had the opportunity to share our lives with this inspiring man.

You will always be loved and never forgotten.

Visitation and viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas, 78749.

Funeral services will be held in Tommy’s honor on Thursday April 7, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Oak Hill, 6907 Convict Hill Road, Austin, Texas, 78749. A burial will follow, everyone is welcome. Flowers may be sent to Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks.