Tomas Leeds Dabbert, 86, of Arlington, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2024. He was born in Wewoka, Oklahoma, to loving parents Offley Leeds Dabbert and Frances (Cain) Dabbert.
Tom grew up in McAlester, Oklahoma, where he graduated from high school as a star basketball and football player. He continued his education at East Central University in Oklahoma, earning his bachelor's degree. After moving to Texas, Tom settled in Arlington, where his life took a wonderful turn when he went on a blind date in 1965 while he was earning his master’s degree in education from the University of North Texas. That blind date led to nearly 60 years of marriage to Mary Lou Bender, a native of Toronto, Canada.
Tom served as an assistant principal at Carter Junior High School and then opened as the first principal of Floyd Gunn Junior High School, one of the first open-concept schools in Arlington. He later transitioned to central administration for Arlington ISD, eventually becoming an Executive Director of Administration. Despite his 36-year success in administration, his love for working with students led him back to being a principal at Shackleford Junior High, where he served until his retirement in 1995.
After a brief retirement and not one to be idle, Tom took on a new role as manager of the Tuxedo Shop at Culwell & Son across from SMU in Dallas, where he worked until officially retiring in 2020.
Outside of work, Tom was a devoted family man who cherished every moment spent with his children. He attended every extracurricular event they participated in including dance recitals, sports games, and scout meetings. Tomas gave back to his community, serving as president of the board of directors for the Dance Theater of Arlington and coaching his sons’ sports teams and scout groups for many seasons.
Tomas is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Lou Dabbert of Arlington, Texas; his daughter, Nicole Dabbert-Roper (Walt) of Muenster, Texas; his sons, Jeremy Leeds Dabbert (Marie) of Celina, Texas, and Jonathan Graham Dabbert (Cristina) of Dallas, Texas; his grandchildren, Raegan, Cole, Connor, Caiden, and Raphael; and a host of other loving family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles Dabbert.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at First United Methodist Church of Celina, 12465 FM428, Celina, Texas 75009. Following the Funeral Service, refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall. Interment will take place at Ridgeview West Memorial Park, 7800 Sanctuary Drive, Frisco, Texas 75033.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas, 75013.