Anthony Wayne Amaimo

Anthony Wayne Amaimo

(aka Tony, Ants)

July 1, 1946 – January 12, 2019

Anthony Wayne Amaimo passed away on January 12, 2019. He was born to Tony and Georgie Amaimo in Beaumont, Texas. He was a graduate of Beaumont High School, and afterwards, obtained a Bachelor of Science in Radio-Television-Film from the University of Texas at Austin.

TONY WAS CREATIVE. He could turn a non-descript space into something beautiful. His home became a showcase; he decorated the places where he worked, and the homes of his friends. He also directed live stage shows, supervising the lighting, sets and music.  His college professor was so impressed by his creative abilities that he took him to New York where he worked in summer stock.

Maybe his biggest creative achievement was his boutique in Houston.  He started his first store on absolutely nothing and by hook and by crook, made it into an extremely successful hi-end ladies clothing store. He dressed the elite of Houston, including Carol Bayer Sager when she won an Oscar for her music with Burt Bacharach.  She didn’t go to Beverly Hills for an outfit; she went to Tony Amaimo’s of Houston.   

TONY WAS LOVED, From elementary to high school, if there was an election, he won it.  That’s how well-liked he was.  He was voted the President of each of his classes in high school, and then voted Student Body President when he was a senior.  He was extremely proud of these accomplishments and very grateful for them as well. 

He was a substitute teacher in Galveston where his students fell in love with him. Once he gave them an assignment and then walked around the room glancing at their papers. On one paper, a kid had written, “Mr. Amaimo Rocks.” Rachel, another student, wrote him a note which I found in his things.  It was decorated with hearts and stars, and said “you are a great teatcher!”  Note the spelling J

After he died, calling the contacts on his phone, to a person, they were absolutely heartbroken, and through their tears, told me what Ants meant to them. “He was the kindest, most loving and generous person I ever knew,” was something I heard over and over again.  One friend said she loved him more than her own brothers, and could tell him anything about her life knowing she wouldn’t be judged.    

TONY WAS FUNNY. No need to search for Tony in a gathering of people. Find the circle where everyone was laughing and Tony would be in the middle of it holding court.  He had so many funny family stories, including impersonations of everyone.  Talking on the phone with him was a hilarious event; the lucky person on the other end would be in stitches. 

TONY WAS COMPASSIONATE.  He helped his friends and family, often guiding them through the quagmires of their life.  He also helped strangers.  Once, with only a few dollars in his wallet, he came across a young boy begging because he was hungry.  Instead of giving him money, Ants told him to stay where he was, then went to McDonalds, bought the kid a hamburger, fries and a coke, and took it to him.  The kid was so hungry that Ants had to tell him to slow down or he was going to choke. That was Ants’ big heart at work.  No matter his own circumstance, he was always grateful for his life and for all of his experiences; even the difficult ones which he knew were leading him to important life lessons. 

TONY WAS A REMARKABLE, LOVABLE, TALENTED PERSON. His friends and family love him and miss him terribly, and send love and blessings across the veil where we know he is continuing to do good work and making those around him laugh!

Left to honor his memory are his loving sisters, Elynor and Janice; brothers-in-law, Doug and David; nieces, Kelli and Kim; and great-nephews, Tom and Danny. 

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