Thomas Bailey Tower

Thomas Bailey Tower Nov 13, 1946 – Feb 21, 2025 Plano, Texas - Thomas Bailey Tower, age 78, passed away on Feb 21, 2025, at the Dallas VA Memorial Hospital. Tom was born in Glenn Ridge, NJ on Nov 13, 1946, to the late Richard A Tower and Gladys S Tower. Tom lived in Chatham, NJ as a youngster and teenager and enjoyed summertime on the New Jersey shore at Seaside Park where his family had a summer home. Summers Tom worked on the beach and was also a lifeguard at Island State Park where he picked up his nickname, “Toad.” Tom loved the shore, you could find him out in the water surfing with his buddies if he was not working, he also loved surf casting on the beach with his brothers for Blues and Striped Base. Tom attended the Chatham, NJ public school until he graduated. He moved on to college at Yankton College but did not complete his studies there. Tom returned to his hometown and enlisted in the Army on November 8, 1967, and attended the Army Officer Training Program and graduated and received his Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. During his time in the Army, he served in Vietnam as an Infantry Unit Commander. He served Honorably and receive numerous awards including Purple Hearts (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Vietnam Service Ribbon (with 1 Silver Star), Vietnam Campaign Medal (with 60 Devices), Parachutist Badge, and the Combat Infantry Badge. After recovering from his injuries at an Army hospital in Japan and numerous other hospitals in the States before being transferred to Fitzsimons General in Denver, Colorado. Upon release from the hospital, he was assigned to Ft Carson, CO, promoted to Captain and retired from the Army on June 8, 1970, and began his civilian career while also attending the University of Miami where he earned his Bachelor of Science. Tom’s civilian career included employment at Texas Instruments before moving on to become VP of Marketing with TopSearch in Austin Texas where he also enrolled at the University of Texas and graduated with his MBA. Tom eventually left TopSearch and founded his own company T2. Marketing, which helped companies develop their marketing skills. He was an Independent Sales Representative for numerous companies and his job took him to many places in the United States and Asia. If Tom wasn’t in the office or working, you could easily find him on the golf course. He was an avid golfer and often talked about his chipping and putting to anyone who wanted to listen. Tom loved to travel and enjoyed numerous hiking and camping trips in remote place in the western United States. Tom is survived by Carol Tower and his children Jason Decker and wife Tara and his grandson Rory and his daughter, Stephanie Tower. He leaves his brothers John and spouse Brenda Tower of Monument, CO, Robert and spouse Deborah Tower of Penfield, NY, Jim Tower of Plano, TX, Brother-in-Law Leonard Wyngarden of Provo, UT, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his oldest brother and sister, Richard Tower Jr and Margaret Wyngarden. The Tower Family will be hosting a Celebration of Life on March 19, 2025, in honor of their brother, Thomas B. Tower. The service will be held at The Course at Waters Creek, located at 7201 Chase Oaks Boulevard, Plano, TX 75025. Prior to the celebration, the family will spread Tom’s ashes along some of his favorite golf holes, a gesture that holds deep sentimental value and reflects his love for the sport. The celebration of Tom’s life will follow at the clubhouse from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. This gathering is intended to bring together family, friends, and all who knew Tom to share in the remembrance of his life. Attendees are encouraged to share their fond memories and stories about Tom, celebrating the moments that made him such a special and cherished individual. Refreshments will be provided at the clubhouse, and there will be a display of photographs and memorabilia highlighting Tom’s life and achievements. The Tower Family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who join them in this celebration, as your presence and support mean the world to them during this time of remembrance. All are welcome to attend and participate in honoring Tom’s life. Let us come together to celebrate the impact he made and the beautiful memories he left behind. For those who wish, contributions in Tom’s memory donations may be made to Wounded Warriors www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate or the Veterans of Foreign at P.O. Box 941390 Plano, TX, United States, 75094. Condolences, photos, and favorite memories may be shared through Distinctive Life Cremations and Funeral Services,1617 N Central Expressway, Plano, TX 75075 http://www.distinctivelife.com/

Thomas Bailey Tower

November 13, 1946 - February 21, 2025