Thomas Robert Zuberbueler, age 84, passed away August 12, 2023. He was born on May 18, 1939 in Hondo and lived on the family ranch 15 miles north of Hondo in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. He was the first of 5 children born to Robert and Armine Marie Fohn Zuberbueler. Charles Joseph was 2 years younger, Robert John was 5 years younger, Mary Adele was 11 years younger, and Susan Marie was 16 years younger.

He attended the private St. John's Catholic School for 8 years. Since the school didn't provide transportation, the family built a home in Hondo so he could be closer to school to walk or ride his bike. He benefited from living the ranch life during the summer and winters in town. After graduating from Hondo High School in 1957, he attended St. Mary's University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1961. He was a proud member of the Order of the Barons social fraternity while attending St. Mary's. In 1967, he graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University with a Masters of Education.

After being hired by Northside Independent School District, he taught for 3 years at Helotes Elementary. He was then assigned to be the principal at Lackland City Elementary in 1966 -1969. His next assignment was to be the principal at Oak Hills Terrace in 1969 and spent 15 years there. The school was one of the first to exhibit the open space classrooms ... no walls between classrooms. His last assignment was to open a new elementary ... Lloyd M. Knowlton in 1985 and spent 11 years there until his retirement in 1996.

He worked with some of the most wonderful teachers and counselors the district had to offer and is proud to call some dear friends. He was a former President of Northside I.S.D. teachers' association, a former president of Northside I.S.D. Principals & Supervisors Association and in addition served as President of District 20 (XX) Elementary Principals & Supervisors Association (TEPSA).

Thomas enjoyed playing golf with a wonderful group of friends and an easy group of poker friends throughout his life and later a Hondo Bridge Club. After retiring, he built a home on his ranch and lived there for 26 years ... loving every minute ... raising cattle and enjoying nature.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert John, sister-in-law, Susan Porter Zuberbueler; and brother-in-law, John Walters.

Thomas is survived by his brother, Charles Zuberbueler; sisters, Mary Walters and Susan (Stephen) Moye; nephews, Robert (Kim) Zuberbueler, Jeffry Zuberbueler, Ben (Brianna) Walters; niece, Cassie (Mark) Diamond; great nieces and nephew; and his faithful dachshund, Gretchen.

The Holy Rosary will be recited at 9:00 a.m. followed by the Memorial Mass of Resurrection at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hondo. Inurnment will follow at Hondo Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the St. John's Historical Association.

The family would like to thank the many friends and family who visited, provided meals/snacks, flowers and sent cards. Your thoughtfulness was greatly appreciated.

Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com