THOMAS CLEVELAND SPEED

1938-2021

Thomas C. Speed passed away peacefully on September 1 from Parkinson’s complications. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Lloyd Keith Speed.

Tom was born in Raton, N.M. to Leroy Koge Speed and Lavonia Owen Speed and was raised in the historic coastal town of Velasco, Texas, leading to his lifelong interest in Texas history.

He attended Brazosport High School where he was a class officer, sang in a cappella choir, and lettered in basketball.

In 1959, Tom married

Carol Lang while both were students at Sam Houston State University. Upon graduation, he served a tour of duty in Germany as an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

In Houston,Tom enjoyed a long career in commercial construction. His family’s business, A.D.Lang Co. Inc., spanned decades; and for a number of subsequent years, Tom was a Sr. Project Manager for the Houston Police Department, Facilities

Planning & Design Division.

Tom was a longtime member of First Methodist Church and chaired its Building & Grounds Committee. He served on the Administrative Board and was a faithful member of the Adelphi Sunday School Class.

Tom enjoyed family visits, Quintana Beach, New Orleans jazz, fine cigars, classic cars, and sports.

Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, two beautiful children: Laura Speed (Gary Murphy) and Alan Speed (Anne Frank), three precious grandchildren: Mason Thomas Speed, Madeline Dailey Speed, and Garrett Lang Murphy, and two intrepid nephews: Kevin Speed and Sean Speed.

Private services will be held.