Roll Call Tribute

Thomas Newton Estes 
November 3, 1945 - July 29, 2023 

Thomas Newton Estes, age 77, passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas surrounded by friends and family. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on November 3, 1945, and married his wife of 56 years and high school sweetheart, Mary Lynn Estes, on March 16, 1964.

Tom served in the Army for 20 years where he, Mary Lynn, and their family lived all over the world. After fighting in the Vietnam war as a pilot and retiring from Army service, they returned to their hometown of Devine, Texas where Tom worked for Jourdanton ISD and Pleasanton ISD. Tom was a provider, a leader, a believer, a fightin Texas Aggie, a devoted father and husband, and a best friend to many. As the leader of his family, Tom fostered a loving and supportive environment for his family that was inspired by his faith and love for Texas A&M that will be passed down through generations to come. His storytelling abilities encouraged everyone around him, and his life was the epitome of what you can achieve through hard work. Most of all, Tom loved spending time at the Estes family ranch with his kids, grandkids, family and friends where he shared his love for hunting and fishing with all.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, Bevely and Ethel Estes of Corpus Christi, Texas; children, Thomas Newton Jr. and Terry Lynn Estes; and his daughter-in-law, Dr. Lauren Estes.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Debbie Della Rocco, son Greg Estes and daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and his beloved grandsons, Jeffrey Della Rocco, Cole Estes, and Kyle Estes. Along with “his girls” Natsumi Della Rocco and Rylee Stanley. Tom was fortunate to have a close family and will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.

A Rosary will be at Porter Loring–North in San Antonio, Texas on Monday 7 August at 7:00 pm. The funeral service takes place at Saint Matthews Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday 8 August at 10:00 am. Interment will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery for immediate family only.

In lieu of flowers or plants the family ask that in memory of Tom Estes, contributions be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, Glioblastoma Research, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/gifts. 

PLEASE DELIVER ALL FLOWERS TO PORTER LORING FUNERAL HOME - NORTH, 2102 N. LOOP 1604 E, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78232.