Roll Call Tribute

Thomas Franklin Urbanosky 

November 10, 1936 - January 2, 2024 

Thomas Franklin Urbanosky of Caldwell, Texas, and youngest son of Louis F. and Lenora Novosad Urbanosky died peacefully on Tuesday Jan. 2, 2024, at the age of 87.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Veta Ann Fall Urbanosky; and son-in-law, Andrew McLaughlin.

Thomas is survived by his five daughters, Lucinda Ann (Mark) Boggess of Austin, Texas, Lenora Susan McLaughlin of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Laura Lynn (Fred) Scott of Huntington, Texas, Leah Renee Urbanosky (Paul Blatner) of Chicago, Illinois, and Georgia Newell (William) Rouse of Cincinnati, Ohio; as well as 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Thomas was born on Nov. 10, 1936, in Caldwell, Texas, and was raised with his two older brothers, Harold and Jimmy, ultimately graduating from Caldwell High School in 1955. During high school Thomas excelled in academics, played coronet in the stage and marching bands, was quarterback for the football team, and also played basketball.

Upon graduation he attended Texas A&M University where he joined the Fighting Texas Aggie Band and was a member of the Corps of Cadets. He served as a Ross Volunteer, the A&M Honor Council, and was a member of Tau Beta Pi and Phi Kappa Phi. He graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1959.

Thomas was recruited by General Electric during his senior year at A&M, and upon graduation began his work in the Research and Development division where, for 36 years, he designed thrust reverser actuation systems for jet engines, holding many patents with GE. During his first 3 years he concurrently served active duty in the U.S. Air Force where he was promoted to First Lieutenant. He retired from GE in 1995 after 36 years.

Thomas enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life including organic gardening, wine making, hunting, fishing, and archery. He especially enjoyed playing bridge, winning the prestigious award of Life Master, the game’s highest honor. In later years he loved to play the board game Sequence with family and friends.

A celebration of life ceremony will be forthcoming. In honor of Thomas, please make donations to either St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Caldwell, Texas, or Caldwell Christians Care in Caldwell, Texas.