Thomas Hoover

Thomas Warren Hoover, known to most as Tom, age 92, passed away on April 5, 2025. He was born in Washington, Iowa, on June 25, 1932, to Leo and Rhea Hoover. A devoted husband, father, and public servant, Tom will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Tom earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University and spent 31 years at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, N.M. At Central United Methodist Church, he met Bettye Garrard; they were married in 1960 and remained lifelong members of the congregation.

In 1964, Tom was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives, serving for ten years and rising to the position of Minority Leader. When Albuquerque transitioned to a city council form of government in 1974, he brought his legislative experience to the City Council, serving for 13 years, including two terms as president. Among his proudest achievements was sponsoring the quarter-cent quality-of-life tax, which supported institutions such as the Albuquerque BioPark, the Balloon Museum, and public art programs.

Tom and Bettye raised two sons, Kurt and Craig. He designed their family home, landscaped the yard, and built a game room and workshop. The couple instilled strong values and a deep commitment to service in their children. Tom later worked in public finance as Deputy Secretary of Finance for the State of New Mexico and as Director of Finance for the City of Albuquerque before retiring.

Even in retirement, Tom remained active. He served on the board of Saranam, delivered Meals on Wheels until the age of 90, sang in the church choir, performed with the NewMexiChords Barbershop Chorus for 25 years, and traveled extensively with Bettye-often alongside lifelong church friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bettye, in 2020. He is survived by his sons, Kurt and Craig; daughter-in-law, Susie; and grandchildren, Joshua, Bettyjane, and Matea.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on June 21 at Central United Methodist Church in Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels or Saranam.