Thomas E. Sands

Thomas (Tom) Sands (91) passed away from this life on Thursday, August 11, 2022. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Mary Ann Sands, and son, Rod E. Sands. He was born April 25, 1931, to Verna and Melvin Sands in Coffeyville, Kansas.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Rhonda Sands (Jennifer Wilson); and his son, Stephen Sands (John Ener), both of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by his sister, June McGovern and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom graduated from Field Kindley Memorial High School and Coffeyville Jr. College in Coffeyville, Kansas. He attended the University of Houston. He joined the army during the Korean war in 1952 and was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant. During his service he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Beeman, in 1953.

After his discharge from the Army in 1954, Tom and Mary Ann embarked upon a full professional and personal life. Tom and Mary Ann moved to Houston in 1963, where Tom was employed by Big 3 Industries. He quickly rose to CFO in 1966 and was instrumental in growing the company to a Fortune 500 Company listed on the NYSE. In 1985 Tom was named President of the company. Throughout his career, Tom and Mary Ann traveled the world with business associates and later with their growing family. Those experiences were worth more than years of education could afford him. Tom was proud of his many accomplishments and encouraged and mentored others to rise to the best of their ability.

Tom’s business acumen made him a sought-after colleague in the business world. He served on several boards including the Board of Texas Commerce Bank-Reagan, Texas Commerce Bank-Houston, Southeast Bank of Houston and the Lincoln Electric Company of Cleveland, Ohio.

Tom was an active member of Pine Forest Country Club, Lakeside Country Club, The Petroleum Club of Houston and was a founding member of the University Club of Houston. An avid golfer, he loved his days on the green and when he was no longer able to walk the course, he would often bring the “green” indoors, tirelessly practicing his putting by himself or with whomever he could shanghai into a quick indoor lesson. He devoted the same attention and skill to cornhole, often emerging victorious to the chagrin of the millennials and boomers who made the mistake of thinking he was easy prey.

Most of all, Tom loved being with is family. Many fond memories remain of weekends and holidays at Lake Livingston with family, extended family, friends, and friends of friends. Sunset cruises were a favorite entertainment. Tom will be remembered by those who knew and loved him as a generous and kind man, with a smile always on his face, backed by a very quick wit.

A visitation will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, on Wednesday, August 17th, from 5 pm to 8 pm. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at 2 pm, Thursday, August 18th, at St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe, Houston, Texas.

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