Thomas (Tom) Michael Ehlinger Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Thomas Michael Ehlinger, 70, of Houston passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2018. Tom was born October 19, 1947 in San Antonio, Texas to Herman Joseph and Vlasta (Pat) Orsak Ehlinger. His survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathleen (Kathy) Rhone Ehlinger; daughter, Melinda; son, Daniel; brother, Ernest (Ernie) Ehlinger & wife Karin; niece Jennifer Ehlinger and grand-niece Emelia Ehlinger, all of Woodbridge, VA. Aunt, Mrs. Julia Timm, Hallettsville, TX. Tom is also survived by numerous cousins, extended family and dear friends. Tom was raised in San Antonio, Texas and attended St. Margaret Mary’s Catholic School. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1965. Earned a BS in Physics from St. Mary’s University in 1969. He also earned a MS from Florida Institute of Technology in 1978 and was a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College and Army War College. He met and married the love of his life, Kathy in 1970 in San Antonio. Tom served in the United States Army for 26 years before retiring with the rank of Colonel. His military assignments included Germany, Korea, Egypt, Kuwait and assignments in the United States. He was a veteran of the Gulf War. After his Army career he worked for Valley Telephone Co-op Inc. in Raymondville, Texas for four years. He was currently employed by the Stafford Municipal School District as Senior JROTC instructor. He had started the program in 2002 and it was his pride and joy. Tom was a longtime member of St. Jerome Catholic Church where he was Head Usher and a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Diefenbach Council 4550 and past Grand Knight. He was also a 4th Degree member and most recently Faithful Navigator of the Msgr. William D. Steele Assembly 2033. Thomas M. “Tom” Ehlinger Col (Ret.) 70, of Houston passed away Monday, May 15, 2018. A graveside service will be held Friday, June 15, 2018 at 10:30 AM at Holy Cross Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, TX 78266. Fort Sam Houston Honor Guard will be present to render Military Funeral Honors. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Tom’s memory to Knights of Columbus Council 4550 Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Jerome Catholic Church, Central Catholic High School Building Fund, c/o Central Catholic High School, 1403 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX. 78215, or St. Mary’s University, One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX. 78228.

Thomas (Tom) Michael Ehlinger

October 19, 1947 - May 15, 2018