Tom Owen Meinecke

Tommy "Tom" Owen Meinecke passed away Monday October 30, 2017, in College Station, Texas. A celebration of life and reception is planned for Friday, November 3, 2017, 6 p.m. at Hillier Funeral Home 4080 State Highway 6 S, College Station. Tom was born in Los Angeles, California to Chester Frank and Charlotte Elaine (Parker) Meinecke. The majority of Tom's life was lived in College Station, Texas where he graduated from A&M Consolidated in the class of 1965. He played basketball, baseball and football and cherished his time with his classmates. After graduating from A&M Consolidated, Tom went on to receive his Bachelor's Degree from Sam Houston State and his Masters of Kinesiology from Texas A&M University. He began teaching at Texas A&M, where he taught scuba, racquetball, bowling, skiing and other sports in the Kinesiology Department. He was best known as a N.A.U.I. (National Association of Underwater Instructors) certified Scuba Instructor. He was co-owner of Paradise Scuba and Sea U Underwater. As an Instructor, he led countless underwater expeditions and trips all over the world. Outside of his professional career, his main love was his family. He met and fell in love with his wife, Sara, and married May 31, 2008. He was the proud father of T.J., Gentry and Molly and stepfather to Leah, Will and Courtney. He took great joy in being Pappy to Cailyn, Asher, Miles and Corbin. Tom became a devout Christian with deep faith. He was known for his loving and compassionate heart. He was a part of three bible studies a week and never missed any. Because of his charismatic personality he was able to lead people to Christ and help them to grow in their faith. One of his famous quotes is "God is love". He loved people and loved them well. After retiring, he delivered for Meals on Wheels in Rural Areas. He loved to spend time with his kids and grandkids; he was very involved in their lives. As an avid outdoorsmen, he loved fishing, golf and playing 42 at the Chicken with his friends. A lifelong sports fan, his love for the Aggies ran deep. He bled maroon. Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Sara Bemus Connatser Meinecke, his son, Thomas "TJ" Meinecke of Rogers, Arkansas, his daughter, Sarah "Gentry", a freshman at Mississippi State, his daughter, Molly of Wilmington, Delaware, his stepdaughter, Leah and husband, Shaun Penny of College Station, his stepson, William "Will" Connatser of Bryan, his stepdaughter, Courtney Connatser of Austin, and his grandchildren, Cailyn, Asher, Miles and Corbin, his sister and brother-in-law, Pam and Steve Jones of Fayetteville, Arkansas, brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Donna Meinecke of Fayetteville, Arkansas, aunt, Marlene Moore of Huntington Beach, California, aunt, Margie Tarlton of Temecula, California and a host of family, friends and former students who remained in contact with Tom throughout his life. He will be missed. Please visit Tom's tribute page at www.hillierfuneralhome.com to share memories and stories.