Thomas Austin House

November 8, 1935 - September 3, 2021
Thomas Austin House

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Thomas Austin House (Tom), 85, of Hendersonville, NC passed peacefully on Friday, September 3, 2021.

Tom was born on November 8, 1935 in Buncombe County to the late Edward House and Kathleen Sherlin House.  He was a graduate of Mills River High School with the class of 1954.  Tom retired from Ecusta after 43 years where he spent most of his career in the carpenter shop. On January 23, 1984, Tom was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor James B Hunt Jr for constructing a model school bus to demonstrate school bus safety for elementary students all over the state of North Carolina. He was a very talented craftsman; there really wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or build.  He could replicate any project you wanted from a simple picture or drawing. Tom was an avid fisherman and hunter.  He enjoyed the outdoors, boating, fishing and hunting trips.  For over 25 years, he and his wife Jean spent their free time at their residence on Lake Keowee where Tom taught many young people to fish and water ski.  After retirement, Tom and Jean spent 22 years every winter in Fort Myers Florida.  They loved being snow birds!  They had a wonderful group of friends whom they considered family, they called themselves, “The Florida Group”. Tom made friends everywhere he went and never met a stranger.  He told his family, “You can never have too many friends”. Tom adored his family asking daily how everyone was.

Tom is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean Wilson House; his daughter Debbie House Short and husband Lyn Short; granddaughter Krystle Short Jones and husband Jamie Jones; great-grandchildren, Adalyn Morgan Jones, and Bryce Jameson Jones.  He is also survived by his siblings; Roger House, Nancy House Thomas, and Judy House Neighbors.

Tom was preceded in death by his brothers Edward, Lawrence, Ben, and Henry House and his sisters Sarah House Jones, Peggy House Williams, and Eleanor House.

The family will hold a graveside service at Shepherd Memorial Park, Hendersonville NC on Thursday, September 9, 2021, at 11:00 AM.

Tom’s family request in lieu of flowers, if you prefer, donations may be made to the Mountain Home Fire and Rescue (3710 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville NC 28791) who so graciously assisted Tom in his final days.

 

 


Service

Thursday, September 9, 2021
11:00 AM

Shepherd Memorial Park - Directions
5045 Asheville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28791

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  • September 07, 2021
    Barbara (Gordon) Kleinhans says:
    I remember Uncle Thomas and Aunt Jean from the family picnic that was held once a year. Debbie was closest to my age of the cousins. I remember how much I admired the love I saw between Thomas and Jean and their daughter. I envied Debbie for having such a close and loving family. I haven’t seen them in a few decades, but always remember that loving closeness. I send my most sincere condolences to Jean, Debbie and the entire family. I am sure that Uncle Thomas will be missed.

  • September 08, 2021
    David Glenn says:
    Jean, I'm sorry to hear of Tom's death. It feels like another brother has died. I grew up with him, went to school with him, worked with him, and retired with him. We will be praying for you.

  • September 08, 2021
    Paul & Teresa House says:
    Our thought's & prayers are with the family.May God comfort you all in the the days ahead. Sending love , hugs & prayers so sorry for your loss .Rest In Peace Uncle Thomas !!!

  • September 08, 2021
    Tim and Debbie Lanning Morgan says:
    Our deepest condolences to the family. May God be with you at this time.

  • September 08, 2021
    Loren Miller says:
    Sorry to hear about Tom's passing and deeply regret not being able to attend his funeral. Rest assured that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Loren & Rosella Miller