Thomas Henry Eng

Thomas Henry Eng, known to most as Tom, was born 74 years ago in New York to Ginger and John Eng. His parents met in New York where they were married. Tom’s father who served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a radio tail gunner had plans with his older brother to open a dairy farm in Guangdong, China. Due to civil unrest in China, plans were canceled. John moved his family back to Houston, Texas where Tom was raised. Tom attended Johnson Jr. High and Westbury High Schools before going to college. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts degree. When he graduated, he went to work for the City of Houston and at the same time, worked on his master’s degree at the University Of Texas School Of Public Health. He retired from the City of Houston as the Chief Inspector of the Neighborhood Protection Division.

Tom’s retirement was a productive period in his life in which he lived life to the fullest. He loved traveling and visited many countries abroad. He was a lifelong learner, read many books and could converse on most subjects. During his free time, he taught himself to speak Mandarin using the Pimsleur language program. Tom would frequent Chinese restaurants and enjoyed trying out his language skills. Tom loved to be around his friends, whether it was playing chess, bridge, singing karaoke or twirling around the dance floor. He was also full of fun and cheer and was available to give a hand to anyone who needed one. He was active in organizations like the Chinese American Citizens Alliance (CACA), Chinese Professional Club (CPC) and OCA (formerly known as the Organization of Chinese Americans). He was a former member of the Chinese Baptist Church, before becoming a member of Faith Fellowship Church of Fort Bend. Tom had a type A personality, but to most, he was laid back and made others feel relaxed and at ease. He enjoyed socializing and treating friends to lunch or dinner.

Tom was preceded in death by his father John and survived by his mother Ginger, brother James and sister-in-law May, his uncle, aunt, cousins, nieces, nephews, his only true love and many friends. His contagious smile, kindness and loyal friendship will be sorely missed but not forgotten.

It was Tom’s wish that customary remembrances be made in his memory to Faith Fellowship Church of Fort Bend, 2723 Kingsbrook Lane, Missouri City, TX 77459.