William Thomas Harlan, Jr., 71, of Beaumont, Texas, departed this life on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

In his younger days, Tom sowed a lot of wild oats. As a biker, he traveled the country on his Harley. He was also a skydiver; he taught paramilitary survival skills. Tom was also an accomplished scuba diver and was able to extend that hobby into his welding career by working as an underwater welder. He built dams and power stations across the country.

He finally settled in Beaumont where he has been a noteworthy figure in local politics. He was active in ACLU and community issues.

Tom was ordained in 2007 as a Buddhist Monk and for a while he served at the Buu Mon Temple in Port Arthur, Texas. He was also active in alcoholics anonymous, serving on the board and mentoring others who sought to improve their lives. Tom enjoyed blues music and was a talented harmonica player. He would sit in with other performers at various venues throughout the country. Tom was known and loved by people throughout the golden triangle.