Thomas Eller Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 10, 2018.

Dr. Thomas O. Eller, MD, a longtime Plano physician, died Monday, January 8, 2018.

Dr. Eller was born March 29, 1926 to Ethel and Jacob Eller in Clovis, New Mexico. He was a graduate of Clovis High School and attended Eastern New Mexico University. He held a Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and a Doctor of Medicine degree from Baylor University College of Medicine in Houston. After 42 years of service to his community, he retired from the practice of family medicine in 1996.
During his years of practice, Dr. Eller was active in the Collin County Medical Society of the Texas Medical Association. He served several terms as president and as secretary treasurer of the association. He was accorded Honorary Membership in the Texas Medical Association in 1996.

He was also active in the Red River Chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians. He served that organization several times as president and as secretary treasurer. Dr. Eller became a Charter Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians in 1972 and became a Life Member in 1996. He was a charter member of the medical staff of Plano General Hospital (now Medical City of Plano), and served as Chief of the Medical Staff there in 1977. He served on the development committee for Rehab South Hospital. Dr. Eller proudly served in the United State Navy during World War II and later briefly served as a medical officer.

Dr. Eller was a devoted husband and father. When his children were at home, he enjoyed taking them on trips for vacation and other family activities such as swimming and hiking.

He is (survived by his wife of 65 years, Shirley Frank Eller, whom he met while both were students at Baylor, and by two sons, Dr. Thomas O. Eller, II and wife, Carlette, and Dr. Richard Eller and wife, Michele. He is survived by 9 grandchildren: Andrew, William, Kathleen, Jacob and Arianna Eller, William Lyons III, and Mallory, Kami, and Michael Cavenee. The family suggests that memorials may be made to The First Christian Church, 813 East 15th Street, Plano, TX

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Eller

Sponsored by Ted Dickey Funeral Home.

What is your first memory of Thomas?

Share a favorite memory you have of Thomas.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Thomas.

Describe a time when Thomas made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Thomas?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Thomas.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Thomas.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Thomas.

What is something you learned from Thomas?

Not sure what to say?

January 30, 2018

Johnney Pendland

So many people don't like having to see a doctor, but Dr. Eller was the most pleasant, honest, comforting doctor in the world.
He delivered our first child, took good care of all our children, never sent any of us to a 'so called' specialist unless it was absolutely necessary.
He made a house call to our home, and we always had his home phone number, in case we needed him when the office was closed.
He never hesitated to say, "Come on in, we'll work you in this afternoon."
No waiting two weeks for a 15 minute appointment.
The best tribute I can give is, 'Doctor Tom Eller was a good man... period.'

January 16, 2018

Kathy Minton

It was a sad day when Dr. Eller retired and a sadder day now that he is gone. He was not just an excellent doctor but a good friend. There are very few people who rise to his level of integrity. You were loved and you will be missed.

January 15, 2018

Nina Lopez

Dr. Eller was a great and kind doctor. He tended to my family as did most of the Plano Medical did. I know my aunt (Margaret Lopez, LVN) respected him alot. May the Eller family be enfolded with peace and courage.

January 14, 2018

Richard Wiser

Dr. Eller was a kind, Christian man whom I admired. He was a complete physician coupled with strong beliefs in God.

January 13, 2018

Doug House

Dr. Eller was such a grand person. Knew him as my doctor, as a member of the church, and thru his sons. May his family have nothing but great memories and may his legacy live on.

January 12, 2018

Richard, so sorry to read about the passing of your father. I remember him when you were at PSHS. Glad to read that you and your brother followed in his footsteps. A great role model and physician. Jerry Mullins.

January 12, 2018

william fox

dr eller was the last doctor i ever knew that made house calls.he did so for me several times.

January 11, 2018

Shelby Day

Dr. Eller delivered me many years ago and I went to him throughout my entire childhood. I never minded being sick because I got to see him. Such a good man and doctor. Praying for the family.

January 11, 2018

Rhonda Nevels Reagan

Dr. Eller was our family doctor from the 1960's-1980's. Everything from house calls in the middle of the night; stitches for my mother's finger and inviting me to observe as he knew I wanted to be a nurse...I was too queasy yet he was understanding as always. Dr. Eller even pierced my ears when I was 13 and that was a big event for me! Last time I saw him was in my mother's final days and in his quiet, professional, and caring manner saying,"Your mother has a hard row ahead of her." To his family, know he touched many lives in a positive, kind and Christian manner.

January 11, 2018

Kay Scalf

Dr. Eller delivered my son 50 years ago. He was our family physician and we loved and respected him. Condolences to the family.
Kay Scalf

January 11, 2018

Jan Paul

He was a wonderful Dr. I. worked for him back in the 80. Prayers for all his family.

January 10, 2018

Barbara Howard Tweed

Dr. Eller knew my whole family and inlaws. Never a time did I go in that he didn't ask about the others. A good doctor and a gracious man. Blessings to the family.

January 10, 2018

Sarah Middleton

Prayers for the family

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Eller's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Eller

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Ted Dickey Funeral Home

2128 18th Street, Plano, TX 75074

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Eller's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more