Thomas Patrick Schendel passed away peacefully at his home in Kingwood, Texas on Monday October 20, 2025, just a short time before his 74th birthday.  Tom was born in Yorktown, Texas to the late Emil “Parky” and Patricia Sistrunk Schendel on November 12, 1951, their oldest child.  He is survived by his brothers Parker Schendel of Runge, Texas; Todd Schendel and wife Bonnie of Beeville, Texas and Tracey Schendel and Darla of Runge, Texas. Nieces Kelsey (Doug) Caron, Tiffany (Garrett) Tindol and Natalie (Mancil) Crotwell all of Beeville, Texas; Deidre (Chase) Janssen of Runge, Texas and Cheyenne (Tom) Sweeney of Pflugerville, Texas. Great niece and nephew Madelyn and Grayson Tindol of Beeville, Texas; great niece and nephew Hailey (Jason) Guinn and Cameron (Taylor) Lakey of Runge, Texas; and great niece Julia Sweeney of Pflugerville, Texas.

Growing up, Tom enjoyed playing baseball and was a good pitcher.  He also was a linebacker while playing football.  Tom graduated from Runge High School and then received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. Tom had a long career in water treatment, more specifically the technical side of Ion Exchange Resins.  Tom worked for several companies building long-term relationships with his customers.  Shortly after college in 1975, he began working at Maintenance Engineering Company and stayed until 1989. From 1989-92 he worked for SepraTec, followed by Purolite from 1992-96, then U.S. Filters from  1996-2001.  He ended his career from 2001-24 with Maintenance Engineering and M.L. Ball.  He was known nationally as an expert and one of the most knowledgeable people on Ion Exchange Resin and its Markets.

Tom spent most of his life living in Houston and Kingwood, Texas. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing golf and played softball in a 35 and older league in his younger years.  He loved sports.

A service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday October 29, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church of Runge 408 N. Frobese St. Runge, Texas with Reverend James Schendel officiating. Visitation will be right before the service begins at 1:00 pm. Pallbearers will be Douglas Caron, Mancil Crotwell, Chase Janssen, Mark McDonald, Rob Porter and Garrett Tindol. Honorary Pallbearers are Don Watson and Louis “Skip” Hawley .

The family would like to thank Christie Robertson and her staff Stephanie Bonin, Valencia Farrar, and Latricia Winfield for providing Tom with such great care the past ten months. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Runge P. O. Box 205 Runge, Texas 78151; Runge Cemetery Association P.O. Box 530 Runge, Texas 78151 or to a charity of one’s choosing.