Thomas Franklin Weirich

As a 1957 graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a B.S. in physics, Tom attended the university on the GI Bill after serving in the 8th infantry division at Ft. Carson, Colorado where he earned his combat medic and mountain warfare badges.

As a young engineering physicist, Tom worked in the space programs under the directorship of Wernher von Braun, German engineer and the world’s top rocket scientist; this was in the early US space program at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. He worked in various capacities of design related to project Mercury, America’s first manned space flight. His later engineering career assignments would involve the Saturn S-IVB booster which was a stage of the Apollo Launch Vehicle; specifically, he worked on aspects of rocket motor design and capsule life support vacuum seals.

Tom’s career would eventually lead him to work in the nation’s nuclear weapons program, where he was involved with design, assembly, and final test of various physics packages at NTS Nevada. All in conjunction with his responsibilities at both the Lawrence Livermore and Los Alamos national laboratories and associated contractors. He was often asked if “Area 51” was real, and Tom would chuckle and tell us that he suspected that the alleged futuristic UFOs were probably built in the USA and will be on a Popular Mechanic’s cover in the next 10 years.

He was fond of saying: "I would assume that God is a physicist with a strong background in mathematics; there is simply too much order and logic in the universe...creation did not happen by chance."

In retirement, Tom became a 32nd degree mason, served as the worshipful master of the Henry Thomas Lodge No.278 in Smithwick, Texas, and was the recipient of the Golden Trowel Award from the Lake Victor Lodge No.1011 in Lake Victor, Texas. He enjoyed spending many hours with his brother Masons and serving his community. He was also a member of the S. P. Waltrip Lodge No. 1328 Houston, Texas. He was also an avid OU football fan and researched genealogy in his spare time.

Tom was a faithful Christian, attending Christ Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, Texas. He loved the historic beauty and history of the church along with the friendly congregants who welcomed him as a member.

Tom is proceeded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years (Margarette Kenyon), and he is survived by two sons, Tom (Teresa), and Grant, one daughter, Deirdre (Aaron) Holbrook, and one grandson, Aaron T. Holbrook, as well as 3 brothers and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a private graveside at Christ Lutheran Church cemetery. A public fellowship for Tom’s family and friends will follow at the Fellowship Hall of Christ Lutheran Church on August 2, 2023, at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please say a prayer for this country or donate to Christ Lutheran Church, 1415 Cherry Spring Rd., Fredericksburg, TX 78624.

Fond memories of Tom and condolences to the family may be made to www.clementswilcoxburnet.com