Thomas Nelligan

Thomas (Tommy) Joseph Nelligan was born on March 4, 1933 in Kansas City, Missouri to Bessie (Nee Chermack) Nelligan and James Patrick Nelligan. He spent his early life in Kansas City and in Oklahoma. The family eventually settled in Austin in the late 1940’s. Tommy graduated from St. Edwards High School. In 1950 he enlisted in the Air Force and served until 1954. On July 8, 1953 he married Claudette Joanna Hensely whom had been his sweetheart since 1950 they spent their first year together in Maine where he was stationed at the time. They came back to Austin in 1954 where their son Gary was born in 1955 and then in 1957 their daughter Kathy was born. During the late 50’s and early 60’s Tommy worked at various jobs including working at Western Union, being a farmer and later a student at the University of Texas. In 1962 he got into the car business first as a salesman and other aspects of the business as a used car dealer and ran his business until 2006 when he retired. During this time he had three primary locations all located near Town lake. The last location was on East 1st street where he operated the business from 1975 until 2006. During his retirement Tommy and Claudette traveled in their RV though they did most of their traveling in earlier years going throughout the United States and making a trip to Ireland and England. He also spent a lot of time at the Goodwill stores going to the auctions they had and buying things that he thought he and Claudette could make money off. Tommy loved Country-Western music and bought hundreds of albums and spent time during his retirement converting them to CD format. Tommy was a gregarious person who loved to talk to people and tell stories about his life. He was a kind and caring man who didn’t mind helping people in need. Tommy was a very religious catholic who practiced his faith and was an important figure at his church. You could always find pictures of Jesus and the Blessed Mother along with crosses in his home and office. He used to love to watch the rosary being said on T.V. at night time. Tommy was quick to tell you what was on his mind and would put anyone in their place if he felt they had crossed the line. He had a short temper, but he would cool down quickly and make things right if he felt he was in the wrong. Besides telling stories, Tommy loved to tell jokes or sing funny songs. He also loved to sing country-western songs and had a great singing voice. Tommy was a great man and will be greatly missed by all. He was my counselor, advisor and friend, but he was also a counselor and advisor to countless individuals. I worked with my dad for over 25 years so I spent a lot of time with him. We had some great times. Now I have this great void in my life that will be hard to fill. Tommy is predeceased by his loving wife, Claudette, whom he lost last May. He was heartbroken when she passed, but now they are together again for eternity. He is survived by his son, Gary Nelligan and his daughter, Kathy Cooke. Tommy is also survived by his six grandchildren whom he greatly appreciated, Zachary Nelligan, Brian Nelligan, Kimberly (Nelligan) Patronski, Dwaine Deal, David Deal and Dustin Deal. Also nine great-grandchildren; three sisters, Jean Hopskin, Patricia King, Mary Carson and numerous nephews and nieces.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 A.M. at the church. Interment to follow the Funeral Mass at Cook-Walden Forest Oaks Memorial Park. Military Honors will be rendered.