Thomas Edward Lott

February 14, 1946 – October 27, 2026

Thomas Edward Lott, affectionately known as Tom, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on February 14, 1946, at Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, he was the beloved son of Edward Lee Lott and Julia Batchelor Lott.

Tom lived a remarkable life filled with dedication, service, knowledge, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. He graduated from McCollum High School in 1964 and earned an associate degree from San Antonio College in 1966. He later continued his education at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, graduating in 1977 with a degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry.

Tom's lifelong fascination with reptiles and amphibians led him to work as a reptile keeper at the San Antonio Zoo. In the late summer of 1967, his life took a different direction when he was drafted into the United States Army to serve during the Vietnam War. He served with the 1st Infantry Division until he was wounded in action. He was later transferred to the 20th Preventive Medicine Unit, where he worked in the Anti-Venom Laboratory. In recognition of his sacrifice and service to his country, Tom was awarded the Purple Heart.

Following his return from Vietnam, Tom worked as a postal clerk for three years before pursuing his passion for education. He devoted more than two decades to teaching Chemistry and Physics at South San Antonio ISD's West Campus High School. During his distinguished teaching career, he served as Science Department Chairman and spent 19 years as the National Honor Society sponsor. Tom took great pride in sharing his knowledge and encouraging young minds to learn, explore, and appreciate the wonders of science. He retired from teaching alongside his beloved wife, Sara, who was also an educator with South San Antonio ISD.

Beyond the classroom, Tom was an accomplished amateur herpetologist whose love for reptiles and amphibians became a lifelong passion. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge with fellow enthusiasts and researchers, both at conferences and in the field. He served as the first President of the Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research and later as a board member, dedicating more than ten years of combined service to the organization.

A gifted researcher and writer, Tom authored more than 50 scientific articles and book reviews and served as Assistant Editor for the organization's bulletins. Remarkably, his first scientific paper was published in Herpetologica in 1963, while he was still a junior in high school, and continues to be cited in scientific research today. In 2023, his years of dedication and contributions were recognized when he received the organization's Citizen Science Award.

When he wasn't teaching or pursuing his scientific interests, Tom found happiness in photography, birding, hiking, and camping. He had a natural curiosity about the world around him and a special appreciation for the beauty and diversity of nature. Whether exploring the outdoors, studying wildlife, or sharing his discoveries with others, Tom approached life with enthusiasm and a desire to keep learning.

Above all, Tom treasured his family. He shared 55 wonderful years of marriage with his loving wife, Sara, whom he married on January 15, 1971. Together, they built a life filled with love, companionship, and shared dedication to education. His daughter, Anne Marie, was also a cherished part of his life.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Sara Lott, and his loving daughter, Anne Marie Lott. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Lee Lott and Julia Batchelor Lott.

Tom will be remembered not only for his many accomplishments, but for his dedication to his family, his service to his country, his passion for teaching, and his lifelong love of nature. His legacy lives on through the students he inspired, the scientific knowledge he shared, and the family and friends who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

A life of service, discovery, and love, Tom's was a life well lived, and his memory will be forever treasured.