Obituary for W.T. “Tom” Short W.T. “Tom” Short, 85 passed away on May 10, 2018 at his residence in Kansas City, Missouri. Tom was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and fought valiantly before succumbing to the disease. Tom was born in Moberly, Missouri on April 27, 1933.
He was the only child of Ed & Mildred Short. Tom left Moberly to attend Notre Dame where he received an undergraduate & law degree. After law school graduation, Tom entered the USAF, completed pilot training, & served 3 years as a multi-engine pilot.
Tom served 7 additional years as a Captain in the Reserves. While on leave in NYC, Tom met his future wife, Carol H. Faunce. Tom knew immediately that she would be the love of his life.
Carol preceded Tom in death in 2016, after 56 years of marriage. In the late 60’s and early 70’s, Tom was an executive with North American Aviation District Office working on the Apollo Program. In 1973 he was promoted to the position of Vice President of Field Operations for the North American Rockwell Space Division in Downey, California.
Subsequently, this business unit was awarded the Space Shuttle prime contract. In 1976, Tom accepted an offer to become the president of an oil and gas services company in Calgary. This led to his ownership of several successful companies in that industry.
In 1987, he returned to NASA projects when he and two partners purchased Johnson Engineering (JE). Former Astronaut Gene Cernan, the last man on the moon, was the Chairman and Tom was the President and CEO. Together they built JE into a highly successful company with over 800 employees.
JE was acquired by SPACEHAB in 1997, Tom stayed on as a Senior V.P. of SPACEHAB until 2001. Tom’s greatest love was developing companies, mentoring people in business, and creating opportunities for others. To that end, he came out of retirement to lead the formation and development of Andarko Industries (AI), a Native American Small Disadvantaged Business, as the President & CEO.
Under his guidance, AI grew to employ 300 people with annual revenues of 40 million. In recent years, Tom continued to serve AI as President Emeritas. Everyday he looked for ways to assist others to see an opportunity, realize a goal, or market their idea.
More than anything he missed the everyday hum of an office, where everyone was important to him in every way. Tom is survived by his daugher, Cynthia Short & Brian McCallister of Kansas City, grandchildren Kyle, Mitchell, & Jillian McCallister. Son, Tom & Carol Short of Calgary, grandson, Ryan.
Daughter, Mary K. & Mark Poirier of Kansas City, grandson Tanner. Son, Tim & Cher Short of Fort Worth, grandsons Cameron & Connor. Son, Patrick & Chelsea Short of Austin, granddaughters Parker & Reese.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 18th at 10:30 am at St. Clair of Assisi Catholic Church, 3131 El Dorado Blvd, Houston, TX 77059. Reception immediately following at Bay Oaks Country Club, 14545 Bay Oaks Blvd. Houston, TX.
77059. Donations may be sent in lieu of flowers to the Assistance League of Bay Area, PO Box 591131, Houston, TX 77259-1131. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of W.T. “Tom” Short please visit our Sympathy Store.
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