Thomas Liston

Thomas C. Liston (Thom) of Dickinson, Texas (84) passed away on March 20, 2017. Born in Cleveland, Ohio to Lois Shaw Liston and Corwin Leoris Liston, he attended public schools in Shaker Heights, Ohio. He played the accordion in high school. He attended, received degrees from, and taught at many schools: Principia College, Kent State University (Geology), Miami University (Geology), University of Chicago (Archeology), Tulane University (MBA), University of Houston (International Marketing), University of Libya, Benghazi, and the USDA Graduate School, Washington, D.C. His multifaceted career gained him experience in resource exploration, manufacturing, fabrication, construction and related business development. As an exploration geologist, Thom discovered significant amounts of hydrocarbons in Texas, Louisiana, Saudi Arabia and Libya. That experience lead him to consult around the world for Control Data Corp, then the world's second-largest computer maker. Later in life, he was a manufacturer's representative specializing in the development of new parts from engineering drawings. And at a time when most would retire, he continued to work as a certified process server. He enjoyed construction projects of any size and was constantly busy with home additions, modifications and projects in his own home or those of his children. He served as chairman of the building committee for the construction of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Friendswood, TX where he was a member for many years. By his side for more than five decades was the love of his life, his beloved wife, Roberta Liston. Theirs was a classic romance, a love affair that he considered truly made in Heaven. He admired and respected her talents and skills which matched or complemented his own so closely that they would often find themselves thinking or doing the same thing without a spoken word. Best friends. Throughout his career, his family remained the focus of his life. He cherished and rejoiced in family member's successes. He shared history and sailing interests his eldest son James; landscaping and cars, with his son Jonathan; and house projects and philosophy, with daughter Becky. He shared a love of great restaurants with his son-in-law John Carter and enjoyed being Grandpa to Alex and Tina. He was pleased to be an older brother to Corwin and remembers fondly their summer many moons ago when they were foot-loose bachelors who spent the summer "out west". He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Roberta Vogel Liston, and by his children James T. Liston of Houston, Texas, Jonathan A. Liston of Dickinson, Texas and Rebecca L. Carter and her husband, John Bruce Carter of Austin, Texas; and his grandchildren, Alexander J. Carter and Christina E. Carter. He is survived by his younger brother, Corwin L. Liston (Cory) and wife, June, of Phoenix, Arizona, as well by his nephew, Tracey William Liston, the son of Thom's older brother, William Morris Liston and wife Joanne Luses Liston (both deceased) and also by his brother-in-law, Perry K. Vogel. A commemorative service in his honor, followed by a reception, will be held on Sunday, April 2, 2017, at 2 p.m. First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1700 East Winding Way Blvd., Friendswood, Texas. If desired, the family would ask that you consider contributing to organizations which Thom supported -- The Principle Foundation or Cedars Camps. http://principlefoundation.org/ http://www.cedarscamps.org/

Service Information

April 2, 2017 2:00pm, First Church of Christ, Scientist