Tony Lara Tovar Jr.

Tony is survived by his wife, Shannon, and daughter, Halle; son, Bryan Scott Tovar, and daughters Shannon Kelley Hix and Erin Casey Kimball along with their mother, Maura; sons-in-law Stephen Hix and Matthew Kimball; grandchildren, Blake Hix, Riley and Scarlett Kimball; mother, "Nina" Tovar; sister, Patricia Brouwer and her husband DJ; brothers, Michael Tovar and his wife Kelly, John Paul Tovar and his wife Jennifer; as well as, his nieces and nephews. Tony was preceded in death by his father, Tony Tovar Sr.

A 1974 graduate of W.W. Samuell High School in Dallas and a 1978 graduate of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Tony began his teaching career in Dickinson, Texas, before returning to Dallas where he taught Social Studies and coached varsity sports at Woodrow Wilson HS, W.T. White HS, and Skyline HS where he became well-known for his contributions to high school baseball in Dallas along with his brothers. Tony earned his Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University - Commerce and then served as an assistant principal at W.H. Adamson HS and Moises E. Molina HS. Recognized as a Dallas ISD Principal of the Year Finalist in 2010, Tony loved serving the Sunset HS community until his retirement in 2013. Since then, he had continued supporting education in Dallas as a substitute teacher and administrator. Tony also loved the years he spent officiating high school basketball games because he had a great view of the game and, in his words, they were basically paying him to exercise.

Tony annually supported the Notre Dame School of Dallas, where his son attended, by volunteering with the "An Affair of the Heart" Gala. He was an usher at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Dallas, shared his baseball knowledge with the Saint Patrick Baseball Team, served on Men's ACTS Retreat teams, and represented parents on the Saint Patrick Catholic School Advisory Committee.

Never knowing a stranger, Tony had the gift of charm and, according to his wife, could talk to anyone, about anything, at any time. He loved hosting his John Ireland Elementary and John B. Hood MS friends for college football Saturdays, grilling poolside for family while tossing a ball for his dog Raegan, watching his children and grandchildren compete in athletic events or perform in school programs, and visiting our National Parks such as Yosemite, Olympic, Oregon Trail, and Mount Rushmore. Loving to visit places featured in movies as much as our Nation's historic sites, Tony has rowed a boat where Noah rowed Allie, found the square where Forrest waited for the bus, and stood on the treaty line near Forks, Washington.

Believing it was the bedrock of our democracy, Tony dedicated his adult life to fighting for and bearing witness to the transformational power of a quality education for individuals, their families, and all of our communities. All who attend his Rosary or Celebration of Life are encouraged to wear school spirit attire to show how they are connected to Tony and his family of educators.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to an educational organization such as the Notre Dame School of Dallas, the Saint Patrick Catholic School Legacy Campaign, or the Grapevine Colleyville ISD Education Foundation. Tony would also have appreciated your support our National Park system.