Thomas Edward (Eddie) Burrows

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Thomas Edward (Eddie) Burrows was born November 20, 1929, in San Antonio to Katherine Kempen Burrows and Thomas Edward Burrows. He grew up in South San, one of five boys who loved baseball.

Eddie attended the University of Texas at Austin where he played on the NCAA National Championship team in 1949 and 1950. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree, he first taught in La Grange for a year then volunteered for the Marines. As a Second Lieutenant he served as a forward observer in the Korean conflict.

Upon his return to civilian life, Eddie continued his profession as educator, first teaching and coaching in La Grange. There he met and married Mildred Schroeder. They moved to Gonzales where he taught, coached, and became elementary principal. The culmination of his profession as an educator was his 22 years as principal of Gonzales High School. During his tenure a new high school facility was constructed with much design input from him. With help from work-program students and donated materials, and many hours of physical labor, Eddie built one of the best high school baseball fields in Texas, now named T.E. Burrows Field at Gonzales High School.

Mildred and Eddie had one son, Bryan William Burrows, who also played on The University of Texas at Austin National Championship Team, a great source of pride for Eddie. Another sports highlight was his coaching of the Flax All-Stars from Kenedy to two Senior Babe Ruth World Series.

After retiring as an educator, he worked in the savings and loan business. He then moved to Pleasanton where he married Donna Rayes. He served as director of 4-C’s, a non-profit child care center in Poteet. Upon his second retirement, he became the unofficial mayor of Coughran Texas, which was rehabbed from an abandoned railroad town to a venue for events. He was the enthusiastic campaign manager for his wife’s 2002 election to 81st District Judge.

Among Eddie’s civic achievements was his co-chairmanship of the Gonzales Sesquicentennial celebration in 1975. He was a long time member of the Gonzales Lion's Club and Pleasanton Lion’s Club.

Eddie was twice honored as Citizen of the Year by the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce. Also, he and his wife, Donna Rayes were named Couple of the Year by the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce. For many years Eddie served as treasurer for All Saints Episcopal Church.

Predeceasing him are his parents, his first wife Mildred Burrows, and brothers William Burrows, George Burrows, and Emmett (Buddy) Burrows. Surviving are his wife, Donna Shelton Rayes; son Bryan William Burrows and wife Jennifer; Marnie Rayes Garcia, and husband Hilario (Chuck) as well as grandchildren Thomas William Burrows, Carter David Garcia, and Taber Coe Garcia. Also surviving are his brother Joe Burrows and nephews and nieces.

Friends and family are invited to gather at Coughran Hall in Pleasanton between 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19, to share memories of Eddie. A celebration of his life will be held Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales. In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to the Gonzales High School Scholarship Fund.

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