Thomas Brent Lapsley
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Brent Lapsley, 67, of Tomball, TX. Brent was a beloved son, grandson, brother, husband, father, uncle, cousin, grandfather, and friend. He passed away peacefully on December 4, 2023, after battling Early-Onset Alzheimer’s.
Brent was born on June 22, 1956, in Kirksville, MO, to the late Robert James Lapsley and Lavonne Jill (Leathers) Shinn. He was a distinguished graduate of the Class of 1974 at Clark County RR-1 High School in Kahoka, MO. He later attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Houston.
An avid golfer, Brent’s skill on the greens was highlighted when he was part of the winning 2001 Pro-Am team with Vijay Singh at TPC at The Woodlands. His love for golf was not just a hobby but a journey that took him to numerous destinations, including The Masters at Augusta National.
Brent participated in the MS 150 bike ride multiple times, demonstrating his commitment to both personal challenges and charitable causes. Further extending his service to the community, Brent volunteered with the Special Olympics as a Unified Partner, winning a bronze medal in golf with his partner at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, WA. His enthusiasm for life was also evident in his accomplishment of running several 5K and 10K races and completing his first half marathon at the age of 59.
Brent’s array of talents was wide-ranging, with a notable highlight being his extraordinary self-taught guitar skills. He loved pulling out his guitar to surprise bystanders with his talent.
In 1995, Brent co-founded Paradigm Consultants, which quickly became a respected leader in the consulting engineering industry. The firm was recognized with accolades including The Houston 100 – Private Companies Making the Greatest Impact on Houston in 1998, the Port of Houston Authority’s 2005 Small Business of the Year, and a rare honor bestowed upon Brent as a Diplomate in Geotechnical Engineering. His visionary leadership at Paradigm Consultants not only shaped the landscape of Houston but also the careers of countless engineers and professionals who had the privilege to work alongside him.
Brent’s legacy is not only in his achievements marked by awards or trophies but in the warmth and kindness he extended to everyone around him. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his memory will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Brent is survived by his wife of 31 years, Cheryle Loehr Lapsley, Tomball, TX; his sons, Ryan Thomas Lapsley of Little Rock, AR, Thomas Christopher Lapsley of Houston, TX, and Ryan Nicklaus Lapsley of Jacksonville, FL; and his cherished grandchildren, Tucker, Asa, and Madi Blue.
Brent is also survived by his sisters; Darla Marie Shinn of Cozumel, QR, Mexico; Karen Sue Lapsley-Owens, Carol Elaine Lapsley, and Anne Elizabeth Lapsley all of Houston, TX; Shirley Jean Lapsley Holcomb (Jack) of Anna, TX; his brothers; Joseph Anthony Lapsley and James Allen Lapsley both of Houston, TX; Frederick Wayne Shinn of Wayland, MO; Paul Kent Lapsley of West Palm Beach, FL; John David Lapsley (Molly) of Kahoka, MO; and Robert Martin Lapsley (Pat) of Wooster, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Brent was preceded in death by a sister, Martha Ellen Lapsley; a niece, Sydney JoAnne Owens; a great nephew, Rhett Joseph Weir; and his paternal and maternal grandparents.
A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the Tomball United Methodist Church in Tomball, TX. Senior Associate Pastor Rebecca Jones will officiate. We will celebrate Brent’s life and the countless ways he touched our hearts. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association in his memory.
