Thomas Michael Culling
Thomas Michael Culling, of Friendswood, passed away on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at the age of 49. He was born on April 26, 1969 in Houston, Texas to Michael and Janice Culling. Tom was a man of virtue and exuded the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He was low on chatter and high on wit. His intellect soared above most, and as an Electrical Engineer for Chevron for most of his career, he was known as the go to guy to solve a problem, which carried over to his family life, as well. As Thomas traveled the world throughout his career, he experienced each culture at the table and would give anything at least one taste. He was a master in the kitchen and enjoyed recreating his culinary adventures.
Tom graduated with honors from Alvin High School in 1987 and earned Eagle Scout status that same year. He graduated from The University of Texas in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and a proud Longhorn. He dedicated his wisdom and knowledge to the oil and gas industry working for Honeywell, Coastal, and Chevron in Houston, Australia, and across the globe. He married his Aggie bride, Robyn in 1999 and shared his love of travel, the fun of their rivalry, and the gifts of their sons. They are members of Mary Queen parish in Friendswood and remained loyal to St. Paul’s community in Nassau Bay, where he was baptized as a baby and married. Robyn and Tom were the perfect opposites that formed a great team celebrating every aspect of their sons’ lives, especially when Cade was on the mound or practical joking, or when Cameron was scouting or dominating robotics.
Thomas was preceded in death by his grandparents Laurence and Imogene Culling and Malcolm and Verda Niemeier and father-in-law Ray Elledge Daves. He is survived by his loving wife Robyn, sons Cade and Cameron, parents Michael and Janice, and his sister Constance Culling, his mother-in-law, Rosalie Daves and sister-in-law, Robye Harvey and her family, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Serving as pallbearers Jason Bryan, Clark Harvey, Grant Harvey, Steven Mair, Edward Montalvo, and Andy Ryan.
A visitation is scheduled for Friday, December 28, 2018, at 10:00 AM, Rosary at 10:30 AM and Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 18223 Point Lookout Drive, Nassau Bay, TX 77058 with Rev. Wencil Pavlovsky, celebrant. Interment to follow at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 7801 Gulf Freeway, Dickinson, TX 77539. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made for The Gabriel Project to Mary Queen Catholic Church, 606 Cedarwood Drive, Friendswood, Texas 77546.
Robyn, Tom and I send our love and support to you, the boys and Rosalie. We are spending the Christmas holidays with Jennifer and family in San Marino, California and were shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. Just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rosalie, Robyn and family. Henry and I were so sad to learn of your loss. Please know that you and Tom are being remembered in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all!
Much Love, Janice and Henry
Robyn, you and the boys are in our thoughts and prayers. We were truly saddened to hear of your loss. Tom was such a great person.
Our most sincere condolence to you and your family. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Gouldin
I worked with Tom on Gorgon for over a year. I worked closely with him and heard about his family everyday. Even after leaving I remained in contact but only a few messages a year. My thoughts go out to his family. He will sorely be missed as one of the brightest and kindest people I have ever met.
On behalf of Boy Scout Troop 452, we send our heartfelt condolences to Cameron and his whole family. Tom, an Eagle Scout himself, was planning to join as an Assistant Scoutmaster in order to help our Troop. We stand ready to help in this difficult time in any way you need.
Robyn, Cade and Cameron – I am truely sorry for your loss. On behalf of myself and your Gloria Dei family, I pray for the peace and comfort that only our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ may provide to you and your family.
Robyn, Cade and Cameron – I am SO sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers for your strength during this difficult time…Heidi, John, Dominic, Matthew, JohnJohn & Luke Rao
Oh Robin. Kim just called. Our whole fam is so sad for your loss. Our hearts & prayers are with you. No words.
I am so sorry and heartbroken for your loss. I worked with Tom at Chevron. He will be missed.
12.27.18 The Joe Ruiz Fam-Joe (Jr.): In 87- they were a group of classmates. U.T/Austin/ later married. How very nice Thomas was, we knew he would succeed in life/achieve his goal. It’s through deepest sympathy to hear, a great loss & an undeniable part of your heart is missing. My son plans to attend the planned services Friday.Our children are our World and nothing else can replace them. So very sorry. Mrs. Bertha Ruiz
Robyn, Cameron, and Cade,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest sympathy to Robyn,Cameron,Cade,His Parents and Sister.So sorry y’alls loss of a great Person. Prayers for all of his family. 12-27-2018 Joe Ruiz Sr.
On behalf of the Wheatstone team here in Australia, our thoughts are with the Culling family in this tragic moment. We all worked and lived with Tom here and the obituary was spot on – we used to have a saying for technical problems “When in doubt, ask Tom”. We only just gave him our farewells from the plant as he moved back to Houston a few months ago and told us over a final beer about all the things he was looking forward to. I’m so sorry that time was cut short, but we want you to know there’s a whole team here who are thinking of you.
Robyn and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Tom was a very well-respected colleague, his professionalism as an engineer and amiable character had contributed considerably to the team’s success. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him and enjoy his friendship.
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
From Cordia Johnson (Chevron Australia Wheatstone Onslow site Technical Team)
So sorry and sadden to hear about your loss. I worked with Tom many years (2000ish – 2018) and he would truly be missed, such a nice gentleman and always spoke proudly of his family too. I’ve learned a great deal from you as a dedicated family person. RIP, buddy.
Robyn, Jan and I send you and your family our most sincere condolences by the loss of your husband and father. You and the boys will be in our thoughts and prayers ,Janine Hoefnagels.
Robyn, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thought and prayers are with you, Cade and Cameron. If you need anything, please know I am here for you and your family.
Robyn, we cannot express enough our sadness and our love for you, Cade and Cameron. You all are in our hearts and prayers. May God continue to surround you with his Love, Mercy and Grace.
Truly sorry for your loss. Tom was a great guy and a real professional. I worked with Tom in ETC for many years. It was my pleasure to know him.
Dear Robyn, Cade and Cameron: I am deeply sorry for your loss. I have worked with Tom for many years and will always remember him as an extremely intelligent engineer with a calm & peaceful disposition I am and will be praying for you and your family that the Lord will give you comfort and peace as you grieve his loss. With deep sympathy.
Tom was my first boss at Gorgon and later my colleague at Wheatstone. I am very sad to hear of his passing. He was a great man and very loved amongst his peers.