Thomas Henry Brennan was born on October 13, 1941 in Port Chester, New York, to his parents, Dorothy Murden Brennan and Don T. Brennan.
Tom was a man who held strong beliefs ranging from religion to politics and was never afraid to engage in meaningful conversations about his convictions. He was a man of integrity. This was seen by his strong morals and values he instilled upon his students, athletes, friends, and most importantly his children and grandchildren. Because of his integrity, he was affectionately known as “Sir” to his grandchildren.
Tom attended SMU in Dallas, Texas, where he played the positions of running back, halfback and safety for the Mustangs. He was named team captain his senior year under Coach Hayden Fry and was awarded the Mike Kelsey Award based upon attitude, desire and hustle, In addition, he also was the first recipient to earn the Red Helmet Award under Coach Fry. Tom graduated from SMU as an undergraduate in 1963 and continued his law school education at SMU. Obtaining his Juris Doctor (JD) in 1966. He always said the only thing he learned in law school was that he did not want to be a lawyer.
Upon graduation, he pursued the career path of becoming a history teacher and football coach at Greenhill School in Dallas, Texas. His love for teaching and coaching grew and earned him many awards. Tom was named coach of the year in 1972 after he led the Hornets to an undefeated season. In October of 2012. Tom’s former players had such a fondness and respect for their coach and decided to fly him to Dallas to commemorate the team’s success, marking the 40th anniversary of their undefeated season.
Terry Coverdale Brennan caught Tom’s eye and affection while he was a pre-law student at SMU. She later became the love of his life. They married in 1963 and celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary just before Terry’s death in 2007, in spite of many friendly wagers that were made by their wedding party.
In 1974, they packed up their Texas flag and followed their dreams to Mansfield, Missouri, to a farm between Mansfield and Ava on Bryant Creek. Tom became known as the great land baron and cattle rancher. While fellow Texas and New York friends and family voiced their concern of their move from big city life of Texas to the country roads in southern Missouri, Tom’s love for Terry and their children grew stronger each year. Tom loved the meandering creek that flowed through their land, the glorious outstretched fields, his Angus cattle, and the peacefulness of the countryside. An old, weathered Bible would be found in the dashboard of his dilapidated, yellow farm truck where the land became his ”church”.
The Brennan farmhouse was always open to friends and family. Both Tom and Terry made sure that people left welcome with good food, lots of laughter, and of course, a good story or two. Newcomers to the farm were always given the “great farm tour” where Tom would proudly chauffer them around the back of the farm truck, showing off his nearly 1000 acre “diamond in the rough.”
Tom had a self-proclaimed the love for….crossword puzzles, reciting poetry, thrilling books, a 2-3 inch thick Angus steak cooked to perfection – rare, of course, and a nice cold beer. Tom was adamant about instilling a strong work ethic into his children and grandchildren as they hauled hay, worked cattle, fixed fence, and much more. Despite the demanding work of the farm, he also enjoyed hosting creek parties, “rock festivals”, and participating in sledding competitions with his kids and grandchildren.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Terry Coverdale Brennan.
His survived by his children: Donald Brennan, San Antonio; Texas, Rebecca Schrock, Nixa, MO; and Claire Spence and husband Robert, of Springfield, MO; eight grandchildren: Maggie, Tommy and Finnegan Brennan, all of San Antonio, Texas, Terry and Brennan Schrock all of Nixa. Mo, and Robert, Thomas and Alex Spence all of Springfield,Mo; his sister Dawn Maloney, Rye, NY, and brother Lane Brennan, of Sausalito, CA,
A celebration of Tom’s death will be held from 2-5 on Saturday, February 4 at his daughter, Rebecca Schrock’s home, 434 North Waterford Way Nixa, Mo 65714.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Falcon Family Branch/Glendale High School 2727 S. Ingram Mill Road Springfield, Mo 65804