Thomas Bullock

Thomas Abbott Bullock, Sr., age 84, passed away at Trinity Medical Center in Brenham, with his loving family at his side, on September 17, 2007, after a short illness. Tom loved his hometown, Hillsboro, Texas, and persuaded friends and family to go with him for his periodic Hillsboro fixes. Born November 3, 1922, the son of Thomas Austin Bullock and Ruth Mitchell Bullock, he attended Hillsboro schools and Texas A&M, where he received his degree in architecture. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bob Bullock, former Lt. Governor of Texas, and his sisters, Louisa Bond and Sarah Read. He is survived by his wife of 60 wonderful and eventful years, Jane Blanchard, also a Hillsboro native, and his children Thomas A. Bullock, Jr. and wife, Susan, daughter Jana Canfield and husband Chase. He is also survived by his grandchildren Julie B. Wunz and husband Chris, Sarah B. McIntyre and husband Matt, Chris Bullock, Kyle Canfield, Will Canfield and wife Blair, Kara C. Mueck and husband Colby, Ben Canfield as well as great-grandchildren Jack and Charlotte Wunz. World War II interrupted studies at A&M, with Tom proudly serving his country as First Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps, flying with his crew as a bombardier on the B-24 in the Italian campaign. His service was recognized with the awarding of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Studies resumed at A&M after the end of the war with Tom receiving his degree and beginning his career as an architect with the firm CRS, located in College Station. As one of the founding partners of CRS, he served as Chairman from 1970 until his retirement. During these years the firm, which had earlier moved its headquarters to Houston, grew to be one of the largest architectural design firms in the United States. Some of Tom s accomplishments, honors and awards included Distinguished Alumni in Architecture at Texas A&M, Distinguished Alumni at Hill College, the endowed Thomas Bullock Chair at Texas A&M School of Architecture, Fellow of the American Institute of Architects FAIA, Washington County Man of the Year in 2001, Main Street s first and only Visionary Award in 2004, and 2007 Down Towner of the Year by the Texas Downtown Association. After his retirement Tom and Jane moved to Washington County and lived on their Texana Farm near Old Washington. Tom quickly became involved in many activities in his new home town. His leadership and vision, as well as his subtle but persistent ability to motivate people, prompted many in Brenham to step up to the plate to make downtown Brenham a visitor destination. Tom knew how important a viable downtown could be for a community. He has been the driving force for saving and restoring the Simon Theatre in downtown Brenham, a project now underway. Tom s wry humor could move mountains and people. Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 20, at Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 21 at St. Peter s Episcopal Church, 2310 Airline Drive, Brenham, with the Reverend Cecilia Smith officiating. Memorials may be made to St. Peter s Episcopal Church, Save Our Simon, P.O. Box 2006, Brenham, Tx. 77834, or the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel.