The family of Thomas Joseph Petr of Hood River, OR announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.
What follows is not the whole story, but a thread of it.
The heart keeps better records than the calendar.
IN LOVING MEMORY
Thomas Joseph Petr
Jun 11 1943 - Apr 24 2026 Apr 24 2026
Thomas Joseph Petr, born on June 11, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away on April 24, 2026, in Hood River, Oregon. He lived a life filled with passion, dedication, and a love for trains that began in childhood and flourished throughout his years.
Tom's incredible collection of toy trains stands as a testament to his lifelong enthusiasm for the railway world. A proud member of the Train Collectors of America (TCA) and the Toy Train Operating Society (TTOS), he cherished the camaraderie and exploration these memberships provided. His love for trains extended beyond collecting; it was a significant part of his identity.
In addition to his passion for trains, Tom was a devoted volunteer, contributing his time and energy to several organizations, including the Civitan Club, Habitat for Humanity, and the Plano Conservancy for Historical Conservation's Interurban Railway Museum. His employer projects, such as Paint the Town and Heat the Town, showcased his commitment to giving back to the community.
Tom's love for his family was unparalleled. He was a dedicated husband to Colette and a loving father to his daughter, Tammy Jones. Together, Tom and Colette shared many adventures, from enjoying peaceful bike rides along Rails to Trails bike paths to visiting Civil War Battlefields and National Parks. These experiences not only enriched their lives but also cultivated a strong bond rooted in mutual interests.
As a young man, Tom embarked on a journey through education, graduating from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) at Chicago and later The University of Corpus Christi. His professional career was marked by significant accomplishments at Dallas Power and Light, which later became Texas Power and Light and finally Texas Utilities. He played a pivotal role in the restoration and repatriation of the bust of John F. Strickland, a figure integral to electric interurban rail travel, to the Interurban Railway Museum. His dedication to preserving railway history was demonstrated through his collection of historical railway items, many of which he generously donated to the museum for public enjoyment.
Tom's remarkable life will be honored in a graveside service at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 18, 2026 at Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013 where friends and family are invited to celebrate his legacy.
Thomas Joseph Petr's spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, reminding us all of the importance of passion, family, and community service.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Colette Petr; father, Joseph Petr; and mother, Rose Petr.
TJM McKinney / Allen / Plano is honored to serve the family of Thomas Joseph Petr.
