Tommy Cole Adams Jr.

Thomas “Tommy” Cole Adams, Jr. lost his nearly 20-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease with his loving wife and daughters by his side on Tuesday, July 18, at 10:22pm, at the age of 79. He was born on October 5, 1943, to Thomas Cole Adams and Rosie Elizabeth Drastata in Bryan, TX. Raised by a single, devout Catholic mother, he grew up in Houston with his sister. Tom attended Immaculate Conception Elementary, graduated from Mount Carmel High School, and later graduated from the University of Houston with an engineering degree.

Tom proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army from 1966 – 1968. While in the Army, he was stationed in Germany where he worked as a transportation specialist. After completing his military service, Tom spent 30 years working as a mechanical engineer in the oilfield industry. He holds several patents for special equipment he designed, which are still being used today.

During his childhood, Tommy spent his summers picking cotton on his grandparents’ farm in El Campo, Texas. His love of that farm and country living prompted him and his first wife Terrie to build a home in Hockley, TX, where they raised two daughters. Tom’s sister and her family built a house next door illustrating the closeness that Tom and his sister shared his entire life.

Tom always had an insatiable drive and an entrepreneurial spirit; in the 1980’s, while continuing to work in the oilfield industry, Tom started several businesses, Adams Rental a farm equipment rental store and Waller Pool Supply in Waller, Tx. These businesses were a source of great pride for Tom and his family. While Tom had a strong work ethic, he also enjoyed family life. He took pride in teaching his girls how to ride horses, swim, drive, fish, water ski and live a “country life.” Tom enjoyed snow-skiing, a sport he fell in love with during his time in Germany with the Army.

Tommy had a passion for sports and fishing and was an avid fan of the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Houston Oilers, and later, the Corpus Christi Hooks. He excelled in various sports during his school years, participating in baseball, football, and boxing, and was even offered a college football scholarship. Tom also had a passion for tinkering. He called himself a Jack of all trades and master of none. There was nothing he could not fix around the house. He loved to take things apart and put them back together, especially old cars.

Tom married his second wife Debbie in 1992. After their retirement, they moved to North Padre Island by Corpus Christi, TX. Tommy’s sister and mother eventually settled in the area as well. When Tommy’s mother was stricken with Alzheimer’s, Tommy spent several hours by her side daily taking care of her until her death. Tommy and Debbie also enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and family during their retirement. Tom took great delight in exploring his Czech heritage and attending Czech reunions and festivals. He and Debbie lived on the island until moving to Montgomery, TX in 2019 when Tommy’s Alzheimer’s disease worsened.

While he suffered from Alzheimer’s at the end of his life, Tom never lost his wide smile and the twinkle in his eyes which could light up a room. While sometimes considered shy, quiet, and reserved, those who knew him best knew his infectious laugh and ability to become the life of the party. During his last two years in Bristol Park Memory Care Center in Conroe, TX, Tom could not help but step into the role of protector of all the women in the facility. Taking care of women -- from his mother, sister, wife, daughters – was all he ever knew, and he saw it as his role until the end.

Tom is survived by his spouse of 32 years, Debra Lynn Adams; his two daughters, Nancy Kaye Adams and Cathryn Ann Schlesinger and spouse Martin Marc Schlesinger, Jr.; and two grandchildren, Clarke Kaden Schlesinger and Carsyn Sloane Schlesinger. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Faye Munger; and nephews, John Thomas Munger and Lance William Munger, and niece Pamela Rose Homewood. He is preceded in death by his mother (Rosie), father (Thomas), and step-daughter (Dixie).

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, at Metcalf Funeral Home at 1801 East White Oak Terrace in Conroe, TX. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday July 25 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church ( New Taiton) at 1843 Co Rd 469, El Campo, TX at 10:00 a.m.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.metcalffuneraldirectors.com for the Adams family.