Thomas James Shahan “Spike,” 79, of Nederland, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake.
Thomas was born on December 24, 1946, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Floy May Shahan and James Thomas Shahan. He graduated from Nederland High School in 1965 and graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont with a degree in Telecommunications Engineering.
He proudly served his country and enlisted on December 22, 1966, in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Sergeant and serving with the 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force. A Vietnam veteran, he served in Vietnam in Field Artillery Operations and was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve in February 1970.
Thomas worked for Southwestern Bell for many years between Nederland and the Houston area. He then spent the rest of his career as a government contractor, working overseas on the National Defense System on the Marshall Islands.
In his younger days, he was an avid hunter and fisherman who had an extensive collection of lures and guns. He loved his sons and grandchildren. As a father and grandfather, he may not have always been the most affectionate or outspoken, but his family always knew they were loved. He had his own quiet way of showing it—through the things he did for others, the knowledge he shared, and the countless ways he was willing to lend a helping hand. Thomas will most definitely be remembered for always having a story to share. He had a wealth of experiences from throughout his life and could bring humor to a conversation with one of his many stories. He was never short on a story to tell.
Survivors include his children, James Shahan and his wife, Shanna, of Nederland; LTC Travis Shahan and his wife, Amie, of Montgomery; and Michael Shahan and his wife, Erin, of Kingwood; grandchildren, Madison, Hunter, Katelee, Kaden, Ella, Aubrie, Jackson, Shawn, Thomas, and Russell.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, James Thomas Shahan and Floy May Shahan, and also Barbara Ann Shahan.
Private cremation services will be held at a later date.