Merlin Thomas Scanlan

Merlin Thomas “Tom” Scanlan was born April 6, 1946 in El Paso, TX; and entered eternal rest February 9, 2019 with his loving wife by his side. He was 72. He is survived by his wife of twenty-five years, Rose Scanlan of Spring, TX; his daughter, Tommie Lynn Jolly and her husband, Rimmo of Hong Kong; his son, Jason ‘Will’ Scanlan of Houston, TX; daughter, Lisa Hartnup and her husband, Matt of Spring, TX; and son, Larry Day of Houston, TX. His pride and joy were his grandchildren Simran, Chetan, Kiran, and Aahna Jolly of Hong Kong; Geoffrey Hartnup & fiancé Chelsey of Houston, TX; and Andrew Hartnup of Spring, TX. He is also survived by his loving sister Colleen Peña of Oceanside, CA; brother-in-law John Girvin of Flagstaff, AZ; along with numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Merlin and Jean Scanlan, sister Eileen Girvin, brother Tim Scanlan, and his brother-in-law Roger Peña. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1969. He was a machinist mate serving on the USS Duncan during the Vietnam War, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars. Tom and Rose met in 1967, dated for a short time, and then life took them down separate paths. February 5, 1991 they were reunited and he married his childhood sweetheart April 3, 1993. His endless love as a husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle was beyond measure. Tom's favorite pastime, a part from talking about his grandchildren, was playing golf on the weekends, and eating Mexican food. He also enjoyed elk hunting in Arizona and Colorado. In 2015 Tom retired from Gamma Construction as Project Superintendent and will always be remembered for his multi million-dollar projects. Visitation will be on Friday March 1 from 10:00 am-11:00 am at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 7810 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX 77379. A funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 am at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church with Father Norbert Maduzia Jr. and Deacon Pete Olivier officiating. Tom’s family would like to extend a special heartfelt “thank you” to Dr. Vu, Dr. Desai, Dr. Fares, their medical teams, and the Infusion Department of Kelsey Seybold for treating him for five years. Thanks to New Haven Memory Care, and Bristol Hospice for exceptional care the last couple of weeks. Our deepest appreciation to family and friends for your love, prayers, support and concern over the past five years. Tom will be deeply missed for his loving and generous heart, endless story telling, quick wit and gift of gab. In lieu of usual remembrances, the family would prefer donations to the St Jude Children’s research as Tom had a special place in his heart for children suffering with cancer or American Cancer Society. Private Interment at Houston National Cemetery.

Merlin Thomas Scanlan

April 6, 1946 - February 9, 2019