Bernard Joseph Toomey, a respected figure in the automotive community and especially known for his dedication to Tejas Toyota, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023, in Kingwood, Texas, at the age of 64. His passing marks the end of an era for many who knew him, both personally and professionally.
Born on March 26, 1959, in Houston, Texas, to John J. Toomey and Michelene Guseman Toomey, Bernard spent his formative years in Houston, growing up with his four brothers. His upbringing in a bustling household filled with brothers provided a constant source of lively anecdotes and strong family bonds. Bernard’s early education included St. Thomas High School, followed by studies at Schreiner University. However, it was in 1979 that Bernard found his true calling, joining the family business at Tejas Toyota in Humble, Texas.
This marked the beginning of a remarkable 44-year career at Tejas Toyota. Starting in the family business, Bernard’s commitment and expertise led him to become the dealer principal. For decades, he dedicated himself to Tejas Toyota, nurturing it not just as a business, but as a community. He deeply valued his colleagues at Tejas Toyota, considering them as close friends and an extension of his family. His genuine passion for his work and the automotive industry was evident to all who knew him. Tejas Toyota was more than just a workplace for Bernard; it was a significant part of his life and identity.
Beyond his professional life at Tejas Toyota, Bernard was a devoted family man. He resided in Kingwood, Texas, where he raised his three children, Cameron, Caitlin, and Cody, with their mother, Terri Wendt. His love for his family was paramount, and he cherished his role as a father. Bernard also had a passion for travel, exploring diverse corners of the world. From trips to Spain and Turkey with Terri, to adventures in Japan and Africa with his parents and brothers, and frequent excursions to Mexico with his children and friends, travel was a significant part of his life. An avid outdoorsman, Bernard enjoyed hunting, cycling, scuba diving, and anything related to the ocean. Hunting trips to South Texas and Tanzania, along with cherished memories of hunting in Mexico with his father, brothers, and family friend Father Richard Houlahan, were among his treasured experiences.
Bernard was preceded in death by his mother, Michelene Toomey, his brothers, John Toomey and Stephen Toomey, and his nephew, Stuart Toomey. He is survived by his father, John Toomey; his former wife and friend, Terri Wendt; his son, Cameron Toomey, and wife Alex Toomey; his daughter, Caitlin Blalock, and husband Robert Blalock, and their daughter Kyle Elaine; his son, Cody Toomey; his brother, Tanny Toomey, and wife Susan and their son Charles Toomey and wife Lindsi Toomey and their son Trip; his brother, Richard Toomey, and wife Claudia Toomey; his niece, Emily Toomey; his sister-in-law, Becky Toomey; and Julie Bynum.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during a visitation on Sunday, October 8, 2023, from five to eight o’clock in the evening, with a Rosary at half past six o’clock at the Bradshaw-Carter Funeral Home, 1734 West Alabama Street, Houston, Texas. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, October 9, 2023, at half past nine o’clock in the morning at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3617 Milam Street, Houston, Texas, officiated by Father Juan Torres, O.P. Bernard Toomey’s legacy at Tejas Toyota and within his family will be remembered by all who knew him.
