D.R. (Tom) Polster

August 16, 1941 – August 6, 2026

We are heartbroken to share that Delmer Richard “Tom” Polster, 84, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on August 6 in Benbrook, Texas, from cardiac arrest while doing what he loved—working in the yard and helping a neighbor.

Tom was born on August 16, 1941, in Olney, Texas. Raised on a farm, he learned from an early age to be resilient, resourceful, and willing to work hard. His childhood home had no central air or running water, but those unassuming beginnings helped shape the hardworking and adaptable man he would become.

Tom married Sandra Devers after meeting her in Wichita Falls, when he rented an apartment from Sandra’s grandmother. Four years later, they married and moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where they built their life together, raised three daughters, and celebrated more than 60 years of marriage.

Tom devoted his career to the insurance industry as an independent insurance adjuster. He was the proud owner of Polster Claim Service, a business he built and operated throughout his career. He took great pride in his work and in providing for his family. Sandra worked alongside him as the office manager for the business, and together they built a life centered around family, work, and the everyday moments that come from spending more than six decades together.

Tom was never one to sit still and always had a project in progress. He enjoyed working in the yard, repairing things, and staying busy. He took life in stride and rarely complained. He also enjoyed deer hunting when he had the chance. In his later years, he especially enjoyed camping at the family farmhouse, keeping the property in shape, and making memories with his brother and grandchildren.

Tom’s love was often expressed through what he did rather than what he said. He was a hardworking man who took pride in providing for his family and staying busy with the people, projects, and places that mattered most to him. His daughters will miss the many ways he cared for them and the quiet confidence he gave them that they could handle whatever came their way.

Tom is survived by his daughters, LeeAnn Polster, Lori Martin, and Kari Neeley and her husband, Greg; his grandchildren, Alexa, Payton, Zane, and Ashlyn; his sister, Lynette Lackey; and his sister-in-law, Joyce Kunkel, widow of his late brother, Duane Polster.

He was preceded in death by his best friend and wife, Sandra, with whom he shared a long and full life and who passed away on August 11, 2024. Losing Tom just two years after Sandra’s passing is especially difficult for his family, but there is comfort in knowing that they are together again.

Tom also leaves behind Savanna, his cat who had firmly chosen him as her person. She tolerated no one who dared interrupt her time in his lap—often responding with a hiss or a bite.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, September 12, at Stillwater Meadow, 9842 E. Bankhead Hwy, Aledo, TX 76008. Lunch will be served following the service. (A private family graveside ceremony will be held prior to the Celebration of Life.)

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Weatherford Wags Animal Rescue at https://weatherfordwags.org/donate. Donations may also be made to Weatherford Wags via Venmo to @dshaller819. Please include “In memory of Tom Polster” with your donation.