(Marion) — If there’s a project or job that was done in the Marion ISD over the last five decades, there’s a good chance Dr. Tom DeKunder played a part in it. Dr. DeKunder, a former superintendent of schools in Marion ISD, died recently at the age of 80.
Community members, friends, and co-workers are remembering the many contributions he made to the school district and to other parts of the community. He served in a number of roles in Marion ISD.
Former Superintendent Dennis Dreyer took over the district’s top job after DeKunder’s retirement. He says Dr. DeKunder made a difference in his life both personally and professionally.
“He was my social studies teacher. He was my basketball coach. He was my football coach, my track coach. And then I left, and he went into administration. When I got back here as a teacher, he started as an elementary principal. Then I became middle school principal, and we worked really closely together on all the transitions between those grades. I moved to the high school, and he moved into the assistant superintendent’s position. Then he moved to the superintendent’s position, and I moved into the assistant superintendent’s position. And finally, when he decided to retire, it was through his recommendation that I became superintendent. So again, I owe him for every one of those changes. He was very, very important,” said Dreyer.
Dreyer says DeKunder always had a vision for the district and its students. He says that even as superintendent, DeKunder often took time to work with students who needed the most support.
“He was always there, as an administrator, for the student. He would pick up some of the kids who were having trouble and were downtrodden. Whether they were disciplinary issues or family issues or whatever, he was always frontline involved and always went the extra mile to take care of all kids — but specifically those who were having personal problems, whether they were academic, learning disabilities, or family problems. He was there for them,” said Dreyer.
Dreyer says he’s thankful for the many lessons he learned from DeKunder over the years — lessons that went well beyond the walls of the school.
“I just have nothing other than the highest praise for the man and for the vision that he had. I was always on the outside looking in and saying, ‘I never thought of that.’ And his footsteps were fun to follow,” said Dreyer.
Phil Karrer knew Dr. DeKunder for more than 50 years. He says he saw firsthand how much work DeKunder did for the community.
“He and I have just been really good friends. He was my coach and teacher his first couple of years here, and he hired me back in ’77. We’ve been friends ever since. I know he’s just been a great guy to know, and he’s been special to me and special to a lot of other people around here. He dedicated his life to this little town,” said Karrer.
Karrer says DeKunder’s dedication wasn’t limited to Marion ISD. He says DeKunder also knew the broader Marion community better than most. Even though he didn’t grow up in Marion, Dr. DeKunder showed his love for the community every chance he got. He conducted historical research that eventually led to a book, and he worked hard to ensure lasting projects were completed — including the creation of the Community Library and the founding of the Marion Education Foundation. Karrer says DeKunder gave back to Marion in every way he could.
“Well, it was his love. Every little part of this town, he made sure he kept up with and knew what was going on. Like Veterans Park — he’s the one who kind of got it all going. And it has turned out to be a really nice little place,” said Karrer.
DeKunder was not a large man, but those who knew him say his presence loomed large over everything he touched.
“He was always trying to get involved in something, and he would get other people involved. He was just a go-getter. And when he finished one project, he had to find something else to pursue,” said Karrer.
In addition to his time in Marion ISD, DeKunder also served on the school board in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD. He was also a longtime member of the Guadalupe County Historical Commission and took on a major project helping to identify dozens of long-forgotten cemeteries across the county.
Funeral services for Dr. DeKunder begin at 11 a.m. Thursday at Schertz Funeral Home, located at 2217 FM 3009 in Schertz.