Thomas D. Munroe

Thomas D. Munroe passed peacefully in his home on November 14, 2015, with his wife and daughters by his side. Tom was born on June 28, 1940, in Lancaster, TX, to Inez Wilmut and Hubert William Munroe. After graduating from Sunset High School in 1958, he went on to attend SMU and graduated Summa Cum Laude from North Texas State University with a BS in math and science. While at NTSU, Tom was an active member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, serving as chapter president. He received a National Science Foundation Scholarship to study for his Masters of Math & Science at the University of Oklahoma. He went on to continue his Doctoral studies in Education at NTSU. Tom spent his entire 34 year career in education with the Highland Park Independent School District. In 1961, he was the first new teacher to be hired at HPISD in over 20 years, and taught honors algebra at Highland Park High School. He was the youngest teacher to be promoted to assistant principal of HPHS. In 1973, he became principal of Robert S. Hyer Elementary School. He was named principal of HPHS in 1982, and later served in the HP administration where he oversaw development of the school curriculum. During his tenure, he served on the Texas State committee for math and science textbooks. He was also instrumental in the formation of the HPHS Highland Belles. While at Hyer and HPHS, Tom made beautification of the campuses a priority by having native Texas trees and plants installed. Like his father, he loved working with teachers, students, and parents, and education was his life work. Tom was a longtime member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church and served as an usher captain for many years. He appreciated the quality of the music ministry and enjoyed working with the high school Crusader Choir, serving as treasurer and a chaperone on its 1977 European tour. Tom also loved cooking for his family and friends and became an accomplished chef. He was named one of 4 best amateur chefs by Dallas Better Homes & Garden magazine. He loved to entertain and his home always had an open door policy. Travel included numerous trips with his family to the Florida beach, as well as trips to Europe where he enjoyed cooking classes in Italy. In 2002, Tom and Sara moved from University Park to Lake Forest in Dallas, where they were one of the first residents. He immediately became a community pioneer, serving as President of the Homeowners Association and heading the landscape committee for many years. His careful commitment to developing and maintaining the beauty of the landscape for the entire community will be his legacy for all to enjoy. His dedication to the neighborhood, as well as love of entertaining friends, earned him the title of Unofficial Mayor of Lake Forest. Tom is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 55 years, Sara. Daughter, Lynda Soape and her husband, Scott. Daughter, Marsa Cardinale and her husband, Roger. Grandsons, Taylor Thomas Rodriguez-Soape and Dr. Ismael Rodriguez-Soape, Jonathan Ross Soape, Andrew Munroe Cardinale, Colin Greer Cardinale. Sister, Marilyn Hurtt and husband, Michael. Sister, Karen Pafford and husband, Dick. Sister-inlaw, Ann Sanford and husband, Sandy. And cherished nieces and nephews. Special thanks go to Tom’s angel, Julie Cardinale Clemens, for giving him the gifts of strength, laughter, and unconditional love. A memorial service will be held at 3:00pm, Wednesday, December 2, at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, 3821 University Blvd, Dallas, TX 75205. Because of Tom’s passion for education, contributions may be made to the Robert S. Hyer Library Memorial for Thomas D. Munroe, 3920 Caruth Blvd, Dallas, TX 75225.