Thomas Radcliffe Reckling, III
Class of 1950

Thomas Reckling was an outstanding scholar, athlete, and student leader during his five years as a student at St. Thomas High School. He was a member to the prestigious St. Thomas Club during his entire tenure as a student while being the only player in the history of the school to start for the varsity baseball team for five years. He also served on the Student Council and was President of the Letterman's Club. Upon graduation, he attended Rice Institute where he excelled in academics and baseball.

Following his graduation from Rice, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and was assigned to the First Marine Air Wing in Phang Kong, South Korea, where he served for thirteen months.

Discharged in 1956 as a First Lieutenant, Mr. Reckling joined Anderson Clayton Company. After three years with the cotton company, he joined the investment firm of Harris Upham & Co. His accomplishments in the investment field attracted Schneider, Burnet, & Hickman to appoint him founding manager of their Houston office. Mr. Reckling was also co-owner of R & R Distributing Company of Brownsville, Texas, which distributed Coor's products for Cameron and Hildigo County. He also served on the board of the North Side State Bank in Houston.

Tom and his wife Isla, the former Isla Carol Cowen, will celebrate their fortieth weddding anniversary in October 1997. They have raised eight children who are parents of their eithgeen grandchildren. Five Reckling sons, Thomas IV "Cliffe" '79, Stephen '80, James '83, Thomas Kelly '85, and John '88 graduated from St. Thomas. Their three daughter s are Randa Roach, Christiana McConn, and Carol Goodman.

Tom, Isla, and their children serve our community in various areas of philanthropy. Tom is president of the Turner Charitable Trust, which was founded by Isla's grandmother, Mrs. Percy Turner. Isla and the children serve as Trustees. Thom has served on the St. Thomas High School Foundation Board, Board of Sheltering Arms, and Budget Review Panel of the United Way.

The Reckling Family attends St. Michael's Church where Tom has served as President of the Parent Teacher Association and Athletic Director. Tom was involved with little league baseball for twelve years and youth basketball for five years.

Mr. Reckling was inducted into the Hall of Honor on December 3, 1996.