Thomas Lee Hess

Thomas Lee “Tom” Hess, 86, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, in Plano, Texas. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and engineer, Tom lived a life marked by fun, faith, service, innovation, and love.

Tom was deeply committed to his family and community. He is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne Jordan Hess; daughters, Hannelore (Dennis) Hess Le and Leia (Jason) Hess Johnson; grandchildren, Lucia Le, Gabriel Johnson, Nathalia Johnson, and Caroline Le; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Dodson Hess and Edith Louisa Williams; brother Frank Dodson Hess Jr., and Frank’s wife Opal Holman Hess; and many cherished friends and relatives.

Born on April 25, 1939, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Tom was the son of Frank Dodson Hess and Edith Louisa Williams. He grew up in Oklahoma and graduated a year early from Drumright High School with the distinction of Highest Ranking Boy. His academic journey continued at Oklahoma State University before he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Tom proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962. Stationed in Landshut, Germany, during his service years, he developed a deep appreciation for international cultures that would later shape his professional path.

Tom met Suzanne through a mutual friend, and they were married in Madison, Wisconsin nine months later, on June 20, 1964. In their early marriage, their hobbies included raising dachshunds and traveling around the country in their Winnebago. Hannelore was born in 1973, and Leia completed the family in 1978. Tom and Suzanne celebrated their sixty-first wedding anniversary in June 2025.

A brilliant thinker with a passion for technology and problem-solving, Tom built an impressive career in the telephone switching industry. He worked for several major companies, including Texas Instruments, Rockwell International, DSC, and Ascend. His contributions to the field were significant, and he was granted four patents for technologies he invented. His expertise took him around the world; through his career, he lived overseas in London, Paris, and Melbourne and played a key role in developing cell phone protocols across Europe.

Tom’s faith was a guiding force throughout his life. Raised attending the Methodist Church with his family during childhood, he later embraced Catholicism after marrying Suzanne. His conversion marked the beginning of a lifelong devotion to the Catholic Church.

He was an active member of several organizations that reflected both his interests and values. Over the years, he participated in bowling leagues and served with dedication in groups such as the Plano Band Boosters Club, Seton Marrieds, Lake Murray Yacht Club, and the Knights of Columbus. A generous volunteer with a heart for service, Tom helped lead the Seton Garage Sale for many years.

Tom had many hobbies that brought him joy throughout his life. He enjoyed playing the baritone horn and organ; music remained close to his heart. He also loved bowling, traveling with family and friends, houseboating adventures on Lake Murray, golfing on sunny afternoons, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, Mavericks, and Rangers, and tinkering with computers or engines.

Tom will be remembered for being kind-hearted and sensitive; generous with both time and spirit; loyal to those he loved; fun-loving with an infectious sense of humor; hardworking beyond measure, and above all else, a man who lived fully through faith and family.

May Thomas Lee “Tom” Hess’s memory continue to inspire all who knew him, and may it bring comfort to those who mourn his passing while celebrating a life so well lived.

The family will receive friends for a visitation from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, October 13, 2025, at Allen Family Funeral Options.

There will be a mass to celebrate Tom’s life at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. A reception to follow immediately after the mass.

Tom will be laid to rest at 1:30 p.m., at Ridgeview Memorial Park, Allen, Texas.