Thomas Joseph Horan, Jr.

Tom Horan was the Irishman whose face, as well as his pen, had become notorious through the boom, bust and post-boom eras of Houston!

Horan, a native Houstonian, was a graduate of St. Thomas High School and the University of St. Thomas.

Horan, a former restaurateur and public relations executive authored dining guides. Horan was the Senior Editor of America’s Top Ten Club and served on the board of the Center for Irish Studies at the University of St. Thomas.

Horan was a member of the Irish Society, a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, past President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Dick Dowling Division, Usher at St. Anne Catholic Church, a member of the Holy Sepulchre and a member of the Houston Club.

Horan was honored to be the Grand Marshal of the 2001 Houston St. Patrick’s Day Parade and received the 2005 Rev. Vincent J. Guinan, CSB Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of St. Thomas.

One of Horan’s many prized projects was his attempt to save the Shamrock Hotel from the wrecking ball and his many years of commemorating the gone but not forgotten Shamrock with a wreath laying ceremony.

Horan was honored by John Rydman, owner of Spec’s, by having an old Irish Whiskey named after him, Old Tom Horan Irish Whiskey and Old Tom Horan Irish Cream. “Being an Irish Catholic and having an Irish Whiskey named after me is better than being canonized a Saint!” –Tom Horan

Horan is survived by his wife Jeani. They have three children: Thomas Joseph Horan, III; Elizabeth Susan Horan King, husband Curtis; and Gregory Francis Horan, wife Cathryn. The Horan’s have six grandchildren: Thomas Joseph Horan IV, Gabriela Marie Horan King, Nicholas Francis Horan King, Jonathon Edward Horan King, Bailey Frances Horan and Kenzie Loren Horan.

Horan is also survived by his brothers: George, Michael, John and Tim, wife Amanda and daughter-in-law Bernardette Scambry and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

The Horan Family extends our thanks to all who have participated in the funeral services. May the Lord bless you for your generosity and kindness.

Please join us immediately after the Mass at St. Basil Hall for a reception celebrating Tom’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Thomas High School and the University of St. Thomas.