Jose Tomas "Tom" Colin

Tomas Colin was born on June 18, 1944, in Kingsville to Tomas Colin and Minerva Garcia Colin. His family was one of Kingsville’s founding families in 1904.  He was a member of St. Martin's Catholic church from birth, where he received all the Holy Sacraments, from Baptism to Marriage. He served the Community of Kingsville in many capacities throughout his life. He served as a Coach and Manager for the American Little league, as well as on the Board of Directors. He was instrumental in making Little League in Kingsville become officially sanctioned by the Little League Organization in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. While working with the youth, he served on the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club. During his tenure, the new Boys & Girls Club was built. As a Board Member of the Boys Scouts of America he helped form the new Venado District. He served our community as President of the Evening Lions Club of Kingsville.

He served for four terms as City Commissioner, and two of those terms as Mayor Pro-Tem for the City of Kingsville. While representing the citizens of Kingsville, he was appointed by Governor Mark White to the Regional Review Committee, and was part of the Main Street USA project, street repair projects, sanitation department upgrades for our community, and better benefits for city employees. People knew that Tom was their voice at City Hall. During his tenure, he recognized people of our community in many ways. One accomplishment was the renaming of local streets to honor a local Four-Star General serving in the United States Army, General Richard E Cavazos; the other was to honor the Dean of the Texas Senate, Senator Carlos Truan. He was a 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus, member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2623, as well as a member of the American Legion.

He started working at the age of nine, selling newspapers on the corner of 6th and Kleberg. He also picked cotton like many children of that era, while he was in junior high.  He joined the Army National Guard in 1963 and was Honorably Discharged in 1971. When he began his professional career at the Corpus Christi Army Depot, he took a leave of absence to run his family-owned business, "The Apple House," on 6th and Richard, while his father was ill. Eventually, he took over the business in the late 1970's, and owned and operated it with his wife. They could also be found running the concession stands at Texas A&I University and HM King Games.  He then spent 40 years working at the Corpus Christi Army Depot and retired in 2011 as a Machinist Inspector. While working at CCAD, he served as an Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor and Chairman of the Hispanic Heritage Committee.  He was a true leader in our community. He had the confidence and courage to stand alone when making decisions that had an impact for the citizens of our community. Some people pass through this world and leave it just as they found it. People like Tomas "Tom" Colin took the time to do special things that make the world more beautiful. He made a strong impact on our community through his business and professional contributions, and by serving our community through his service and volunteering throughout his lifetime. He was dearly loved, respected, and will be greatly missed. He, along with his wife Mary Ann, have inspired the next generations of their family to serve God, their communities, and Families.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his older brothers, Gilbert and Hector (Yolanda); his older sister, Rosa Colin Alaniz; and infant grandson, Jon Tomas.

He is survived by his sweetheart of 59 years, Mary Ann Canales Colin. He was a devoted Father to Tommie Ann, Alex (Lee Ellen), Tom, Jeff (Luisa), and Marsha. He was a Dedicated Grandfather to Laci (Albert), Christina (Patrick), Brandalyne (Ryne), Tomazina, Farrin (Christian), Matthew, Robyn (Marcos), Erik, Ashley, Richard, Cassidy (Francisco), Christopher, Jeffrey Tomas 'JT', Cassandra (John), Sarah, Catherine 'CJ', Briana (Mark), RJ (Kaylee), Cameo (Garrett), Jose Tomas, Lola, Elizabeth, and Noah. Our Family was very fortunate to have him as a Loving Great-Grandfather to Leah (Zack), Luke, Andrew, Sabastian, Ayla, Ethan, Lily, Chelsea Emily, Aiden, Delton, Logan, Elijah, Talon, Bailey, Natalee, Noah, Ryalyne, Adalyne, Emberlyne, Liam, Kennedy, Kataleya, Ellieana, Preston, Alexander, and Ryder. We are very blessed to have welcomed a fifth generation into the family this year, making Tomas a Great-Great Grandfather to Asher. He also leaves behind his sisters, Mary Lou Rodriguez, Evangelina 'Calana' Arredondo (Cipriano), Rosario Sparks, and Diana Colin; sister-in-law, Yolanda Colin; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and compadres.

The family will receive condolences on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM; with a holy rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM.  A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 17, 2021, at St. Martin Catholic Church.  Rite of Committal and Interment with Military Honors will follow at Santa Gertrudis Cemetery.