Tom Dargis

Deceased August 21, 2025

 (written by Tom Dargis in July of 2024, and slightly amended by wife Judy, July 2, 2026)

 Tom was conceived on April Fool's Day 1941. (That should tell you something.) He was born January 6, 1942 -- Three Kings Day. (Is there some redemption in that?). 

He was born in Marquette Park, Chicago, at Holy Cross Hospital. He spent most of the first 10 years of his life in Chicago. The family moved to Michigan City, Indiana, in 1952, and Tom entered 5th grade at Long Beach Elementary, where he majored in mischief. Tom either graduated or was kicked out of elementary school in 1956, when he weaseled his way into Michigan City High School. Teachers and administrators there tolerated him until he finished 12th grade in 1959. 

Totally beyond the belief of all who knew him, Tom slipped in the back door of Notre Dame University in 1959, where he struggled to maintain a passing average ... until he finally found the exit door and graduated through it in 1963. In January of 1964, he loaded all his personal belongings into his vintage Volkswagen Karmann Ghia and migrated to Houston, Texas. Not really knowing Tom, or anything about him, the gracious people of Houston welcomed him with great generosity of spirit but little fanfare. 

He started his stellar career in a boarding house near the Museum District of Houston, where he was very nearly asphyxiated one night by leaving a gas space heater -- with doors and windows to his room closed. He'd never used one before. 

It took a couple of years for Tom to find his niche in the world of the working. The niche turned out to be the business of Commercial Photography. At last, Tom had found a love and a passion in a vocation that suited him down to the ground. He rejoiced in knowing that he would never actually have to "work' again a day in his life -- all work in the photography business would be much like play to Tom! In 1969, Tom opened his own commercial photography studio, where managed somehow to stay gainfully employed until 2003 when he retired to Sun City, Texas. 

During those 34 years, he met the other love of his life, Judy (Franks) Dargis, who foolishly agreed to marry him in April of 1972. (There's that month again.) At this writing, they've had 52 years together ... and counting. 

Tom has one daughter, Sonya Marie, who lives in Maryland. She is also a talented artist and photographer. 

Tom had no regrets at life's end. He wishes you well, with a full measure of God's mercy. If anyone wishes to donate in Tom's memory, please consider Hillsdale College or your local animal shelter. 

On angel wings ...good night, and God bless!