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Robert Thomas Harpool Jr., 91, of Denton died peacefully on June 10, 2009.  Tom was born on May 11, 1918 in Hebron, Texas to R.T. Harpool, Sr. and Josephine Solomon Harpool.  His family moved to Denton in 1928.  Tom graduated from Denton High School in 1935.  He was a member of the 1935 State Basketball Championship team from Denton.  He attended North Texas State College (now UNT) and graduated in Economics in 1939.  He was a member of the Beta Alpha Rho Beta Fraternity which later became Lambda  Chi.  He worked his way through college as a bookbinder at North Texas.   While pursuing graduate work at North Texas, Tom met Rebecca Moseley.  She had graduated from CIA (now TWU) in Library Science and was working in the college library.   Tom and Rebecca celebrated their 67th anniversary this year.

Tom and his father established Harpool Seed in 1938.  Along with his brothers Albert and Pinky, the company grew and expanded as a lawn and garden wholesale distribution operation.  His sons, Bob and John also worked for the company.  By the end of Tom's business years, Harpool Seed, Inc. was among the top ten lawn and garden suppliers in the nation.  Tom retired in 1989 after a 50 year career.  During his professional years, he took a leadership role in many organizations:  Denton Savings and Loan Director, University State Bank Director, Texas Seedsmen's   Assoc. President, Southern Seedsmen's Assoc. President, Texas Certified Seed Producers President, Texas Assoc. of Nurserymen Director, National Lawn and Garden Distributor's President, American Seed Trade Assoc. first Vice President.

Tom was the happiest when giving back to the community of Denton.  His life philosophy was "The best thing to live for is service to our fellow man."  He was a leader in many civic organizations:  Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, Boy Scouts of America, United Way, Denton ISD school board member for 15 years, Public Utility Board, Upper Trinity Regional Water District, Good Samaritan Village, Denton Citizens Water Commission, Denton City Charter Commission, Texas Municipal Power Agency, Men's Garden Club, NTSU Alumni Assoc., and the Denton State School.

Tom's greatest passion when not working was gardening and landscaping.  His farm in Aubrey was also a joy in his life.  He enjoyed sharing his delicious bounty with friends and family over the years.  Tom's "Pepper Jelly" was a gift enjoyed by many.  In his later years, he also enjoyed being a member of the Texas Master Gardener's Program of which he served as president.  Through the years, he took great joy in bonding with friends and family in activities such as Bridge Club, bird hunting and fishing trips, many trips to the Young's Galveston beach house, and along with Rebecca, cooking and sharing great meals.

Tom and Rebecca have been active members of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church for over 60 years.  Tom served as an elder for 30 years, and in many other capacities.  They raised their seven children in the church and are thankful for the many blessings they have received from its members and pastors.

Tom received many community honors during his lifetime:  The Otis Fowler Award, UNT Distinguished Alumnus Award, Boy Scout Silver Beaver Award, Denton Chamber of Commerce Award, Volunteer of the Year Award, and RSVP Community Service Award.  Most recently, the Tom Harpool Water Treatment Plant was dedicated, and the Tom Harpool Middle School in Denton I.S.D. had its dedication and opening in 2008.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; daughter Sally, of Houston; son Bob and wife Debby, of Little Elm; son John of Dallas; daughter Leslie Wefelmeyer and husband Ron of Houston; grandchildren Richard Allison and wife Jennifer of Houston; Katy Wefelmeyer of Houston; Mariah Gan of Dallas and Molly Blocker of Houston; great-grandchild Susan Rebecca Allison; and sisters-in-law Rose Marie and Opal Harpool and many dear cousins, nieces and nephews.   He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.T. Harpool Sr.; his brothers Albert and W.S. "Pinky"; and his children Susan Harpool Allison, Scott Moseley Harpool, and Kirk William Harpool.

The family is especially grateful to Tom's doctors:  Dr. Jain, Dr. Grodzin, and Dr. Ginnings.   After a private burial at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Denton, a memorial service will be held at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Oak Street, at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15th. The Reverend Stephen Plunkett and the Reverend Dr. Fred Cassell will be officiating.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.  Mulkey-Mason, Jack Schmitz and Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.