A man of grit, joy, and unwavering service, Texas Tom Cryer has been pouring into others for decades. Born in 1947 in Medford, Wisconsin, Tom grew up on a family farm as the youngest of six siblings. He spent his early years in a one-room schoolhouse and later excelled in baseball, even receiving an invitation to the Dodgers Spring Training Camp during his senior year of high school.
Tom’s work ethic showed early. His first job was picking beans for three cents per pound. After high school, he enlisted in the Navy in 1966 and trained as an Aviation Structural Mechanic, rising to E5 during his four years of service to our country.
After completing a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Wisconsin–Stout, Tom was recruited by ARA and began working in sports entertainment food service, serving teams like the Pacers and Racers. His career eventually brought him to Arlington, Texas in 1985, where he joined ARA Food Service for the Texas Rangers at the old Arlington Stadium.
In 1976, Tom married his wife Cheryl. Next year they will celebrate 50 years of marriage. Together they raised two daughters, Jennifer and TrinliJo, and built a family culture anchored in love, generosity, and hospitality. Tom’s hobbies reflect that heart—family gatherings, movies, travel, golf, and tinkering with anything he can get his hands on.
It was during his time with M&M Merchandisers in Fort Worth that his legendary nickname took hold. With three employees named Tom, he needed a way to stand out. His love for his adopted state inspired him to introduce himself as “Texas Tom,” and the name has stuck ever since.
A Servant’s Heart
After retiring in 2019, Tom felt restless and launched a part-time handyman service—not for profit, but to help seniors and retirees who needed trustworthy help at minimal cost. His goal was simple—serve people who cannot do certain things on their own.
Texas Tom has been a member of Central Bible Church since 2001 and has volunteered weekly at the Central Storehouse Food Bank since 2021. He has also been part of Men’s Bible Study Fellowship in Arlington for more than a dozen years.
Serving Arlington with Joy
Tom has attended every Men Serving God BBQ for the past five years and serves on the MSG Bear Team led by Jerry McCullough. His heart for the community goes far beyond one organization. Tom faithfully serves across Arlington, including:
- International Students at UTA through the ISI Furniture Drive each fall
- Taste Project restaurant, helping serve neighbors with dignity
- The Salvation Army, volunteering during the Red Kettle Bell campaign each Christmas
Wherever there is a need, Texas Tom shows up with a willing heart, steady hands, and a joyful spirit.