Tom Roupe Houston Death and Obituary – Houston, Texas is mourning the loss of Thomas “Tom” Roupe, who tragically passed away in an aviation accident on January 25, 2026. Tom was a beloved husband, devoted father, accomplished professional, and generous community leader whose life left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. His sudden death has left family, friends, and colleagues heartbroken, highlighting the depth of his influence and the profound loss felt by the community.
Born on April 18, 1963, in San Jose, California, Tom grew up in Saratoga and attended The Thacher School. He later pursued higher education at Stanford University, earning a degree in Art History, and completed his MBA at Harvard Business School. A fifth-generation Californian, Tom embraced an active, adventurous lifestyle throughout his life. He excelled in sports including water polo, surfing, tennis, golf, lacrosse, baseball, and pickleball, and was a lifelong fan of teams from both California and Texas.
Tom’s passion for art defined much of his personal life. He spent a semester in Florence, Italy, immersing himself in the world’s artistic masterpieces. Known as a creative spirit, Tom was a champion doodler and a passable watercolorist. He also cherished simple joys, from enjoying fine red wine and George Booth cartoons to playing poker and embarking on motorcycle trips with friends.
Professionally, Tom built a remarkable career in finance, working with prominent companies including Apple, Xerox, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Aqueduct Capital, Avalon Capital, and Corient. Yet, beyond his professional success, he was deeply committed to community service. Tom served as a Board Director for organizations such as the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Texas Heart Institute, Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and The Alley Theater. He was also a member of the Council of Overseers at Rice University’s Jones School of Business and an Ambassador for The Third Option Foundation, reflecting his dedication to giving back.
Above all, Tom cherished his family. He was the devoted husband of Jessica (née Schmidt) and loving father of Georgia Louise Roupe and Jack Thomas Roupe. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Doyle Roupe; sister, Julie (Roupe) Exley; nieces and nephew Barbara, Chuck, and Virginia Exley; and cousin, Mark Thomas Doyle. His father, George Allen Roupe, predeceased him. Tom’s family remembers him for his warmth, humor, and ability to make every moment together meaningful, from solving crosswords and playing games to barbecuing and enjoying daily life.
Tom will be remembered as a man of intelligence, creativity, and kindness. His legacy is one of generosity, devotion, and inspiration—shaping countless lives through his professional accomplishments, artistic passions, philanthropic work, and family devotion. His passing also serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, with resources like 988 offering confidential support.
Celebrations of Tom Roupe’s life are planned in both Texas and California to honor his remarkable journey, the love he shared, and the lasting impact he had on his community. Though his absence leaves a profound void, his memory will live on through the lives he touched, the friendships he nurtured, and the family he adored.