Upcoming Services

Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Parish

26777 Glen Loch Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Mass: 10:00 a.m.

Houston National Cemetery: 12:30 p.m. (In procession)

Reception at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Parish: 2:00 p.m.

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Navy

Houston Honor Guard

Visitation: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

 - Services concludes here

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Dr.

Houston, TX 77038

Meet in Lane #2 @ 12:45 p.m. (Not before 12:30 p.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Marine Corp

Houston Honor Guard

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Dr.

Houston, TX 77038

Meet in Lane #1 @ 11:30 a.m. (Not before 11:15 a.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Navy

Houston Honor Guard

Thomas Elmo Harper passed away on October 12, 2024, in Houston, TX. Born on November 2, 1929, Thomas dedicated his life to his family, his country, and his career in engineering.

Thomas proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1952 as part of a Helicopter Squadron in Korea, an experience that shaped much of his early professional life. Following his military service, he pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri in 1957.

His career was marked by significant contributions to several key institutions. Starting in 1957 at United Aircraft Corp. Research Facility in East Hartford, CT, he moved on to Lockheed Corporation in Marietta, GA in 1961, and later to Bell Aircraft Corp. in New Orleans, LA in 1973. His career culminated at the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVO) in Waveland, MS, where he retired in 1997.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Thomas was an avid participant in a range of hobbies. In his younger years he enjoyed time spent waterskiing, snow skiing, roller skating and particularly enjoyed square dancing with his beloved wife, Helen, and playing table tennis.  He had been a Master Mason for 54 years, 7 months, and 11 days.

He was a proud 33-degree Master Mason and achieved both Scottish Rite and York Rite designations. He served Slidell Lodge No. 311, F. & A. M., as Worshipful Master in 1982. He was also a member of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, C.A. Everitt Commandery No 29 Knights Templar Slidell, LA, Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana. 

Thomas is survived by his daughters, Norma Fruge (Barry McDaniel), Beverly Allen (Steve), and Janet Alvarez (John); sister-in-laws, Thelma Sue Corbin Musiedlak (David) and Connie Louise Corbin Maki (Randell); three grandchildren, Fairon Allen (Nicole), Lauren Nicole Alvarez, and Rachel Lorraine Alvarez; and two great-grandchildren, Laurel Allen and Fairon Allen. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Helen Corbin Harper, his parents, Gertrude Grisson Harper and James Elmo Harper, his 8 siblings, and his grandson, Sean Patrick Mahaffey.

Thomas's life was a testament to his resilience, intelligence, and commitment to the values he held dear. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

His final resting place will be at the Houston National Cemetery, where he will be interred, along with his wife Helen, on December 16, 2024 at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in his honor