Thomas Bennett (Tom) Lasser passed away peacefully at home on May 24, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Shirley, and his brother, David. He is survived by his wife Deborah, his sons Harold (Tracy), Robert (Phongsuda), and Sean.  He also is survived by three grandchildren; Sarah, Savannah, and Elias and great grandchildren, Zale and Shirley.

Tom was born in Oak Park, IL to Harold and Sarah (Waggener) Lasser, on March 12, 1939.  He graduated high school in 1957 at Moline, IL. Tom served from 1959-1962 in the US Army Security Agency as a Serbo-Croatian interpreter.  In 1964, he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa.

Tom married the first love of his life, Shirley Heinze, on June 8, 1963.  They were blessed with two sons (Harold and Robert) and many years together, until her death on April 24, 2010.  He married the second love of his life, Deborah Barfield, on January 1, 2012.  Deborah came with a built in son (Sean) whom Tom loved and cherished as his own. 

Tom spent most of his working years in the foundry industry.  He was a VP of sales for Oil City Ironworks in Corsicana, Tx and, in later years, the Sales Manager for Frazier & Frazier Industries in Coolidge, TX. 

When he wasn't working, Tom read like a fiend, played a mean game of Scrabble, and hunted for bargains at every estate and garage sale within 50 miles.  He loved his boys, dogs and cats, backyard birds, baby goats, fancy suspenders, newsboy caps, and big watches.  You never saw him without a pocket full of Werther's candy, or a glass of lemon-lime Koolaid.

He will be missed by those of us who loved him.

There will be no services at this time.  In lieu of flowers, you may send a memorial to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701 or a charity of your choice.