Thomas "Tom" Martin Walsh

April 17, 1931 – December 31, 2025

Tom was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1931, to immigrant parents from Mayo County, Ireland, Ann and Thomas F. Walsh.

Mass of Resurrection: 10:00 am, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 5953 Bowman Roberts Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76179.

He was the third child born of seven during the throes of the Great Depression. Lifestyle requirements of the time left an imprint of conservatism, frugality and immense gratitude. Tom graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School and worked to pay his own way into and through La Salle Catholic University, in Philadelphia, where he studied business and theology graduating in four years to include a master's degree, resulting in a Brotherhood of the Catholic Church. Tom's time at La Salle was formative shaping his thoughts and reasoning in the Socratic Theory; not learning WHAT to think about the world, but HOW to think about the world around us.

His Socratic mindset spilled out to the many students he had as a teacher following graduation and later instilled a baseline for critical thinking in his own children, which also numbered seven. Tom found time to continue teaching even after landing a job with the regional railroad Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q) in Philadelphia and meeting the love of his life Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Oakes in 1957 and marrying on May 9, 1959. The Railroad would become his life-long career. Tom and Betty's young family quickly grew to include six children and a merger Between CB&Q and Great Northern Railroad would relocate the family to Chicago, Illinois in 1970. Tom, Betty and the kids left behind many friends and all extended family to follow where the Lord led. Eventually, the Railroad was rebranded as Burlington Northern (now BNSF) and the family continued westward to St. Paul, MN where the family grew by one more child.

Tom's disdain for cold weather was lightened when in 1984 the railroad again moved headquarters to Fort Worth, Texas. Tom and Betty decided Fort Worth would be their home for good following his highly anticipated retirement in 1989. His successes at the railroad were many, being awarded Patents for design ideas enhancing operational efficiency especially in the company's grain division. He was even called to testify before The U.S. Congress, on behalf of the Railroad, related to matters of interstate and international commerce and logistics and was several times expert witness in cases related to intermodal logistics and freight rates.

After retirement Tom sought a deeper connection to the Lord and his faith and dove deep into the Knights of Columbus and many other charitable faith-based service endeavors. Tom earned the respect of many through his thoughtful approach to life although never waivered from his beliefs or sharing his opinions with those around him or those brave enough to ask for an honest opinion.

He is loved and will be missed by many especially his surviving children and their spouses, Patrick (Kathy), Ann Gregor (Tom), Barry (Sherri), Joe (Carloyn), Neal (Bridget), Eric (Kelley); seventeen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous loving cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and Brothers-in-Christ.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Betty and son, Daniel.