Thomas Jefferson Roe

Thomas Jefferson Roe, age 93, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Kerrville, TX. He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and Christian. Known to most as “TJ”, he was born in Wheeler, TX on January 1, 1931. He was the youngest of 8 children born to George Washington Roe and Myrtle Lee Tyler Roe. He was preceded in death by his brothers; Marion and Louis, and his sisters: Mary Snider, Stella Shook, Tillie Cates, Iva Baird, and Irene Sanders. His beloved wife of 63 years, Patsy Nan Henry Roe, passed away in July of 2023.

TJ graduated from Brackenridge High School in 1949 and worked as a carpenter until he joined the United States Navy in January of 1951. He served until December of 1954, then went back to work as a carpenter. He joined the San Antonio Fire Department in 1959, and married Pat in 1960. Their son, Thomas Jay, was born in 1964.

After working as a firefighter for 15 years, TJ was chosen to be one of “The First Fifty-Five” firefighters to be trained to create San Antonio’s first EMS Division in 1974. The EMS Division celebrated its 50-year anniversary earlier this year, and TJ was able to attend the celebration. He retired from the fire department in 1988.

After retirement, TJ and Pat sold their house in Pecan Valley and traveled for a few years. In 1992, they moved to Canyon Lake, where TJ used his carpentry skills to do most of the finish work in their new home. TJ loved to be outdoors hunting, fishing, and working with his hands. He instilled a love of the outdoors in his son and grandchildren. TJ and Pat lived at Canyon Lake and worshipped with the churches of Christ at Startzville and Sattler until 2021, when they moved to Kerrville.

TJ is survived by his son, Thomas Jay Roe, and his wife, Jennifer. He was Grandad to David Thomas Roe and Lindsay Anne Roe Durham, her husband, Joshua, and daughter, Kambri Lynn.

His life of service to God, country, family, and community will be celebrated at Sunset Funeral Home at 1701 Austin Hwy in San Antonio, Texas on June 8, 2024. A Military Honors Ceremony and San Antonio Fire Department Final Salute will be held at 11:30 am in the chapel. A lunch reception will follow from 12:00-2:00 pm in Lone Star Hall.