Major Thomas Michael “Tom” Thatcher, age 62, of Bristol TN took his final flight home to be with the Lord on July 26th, 2020 at the Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born June 25th, 1958 in Karlsruhe, Germany; The son of the late Fredrick Shaw and Lillian Niebauer Thatcher. Tom graduated with a Bachelor Of Business from Northern Arizona University, Where he was active in the Sigma Chi Fraternity. During college, he served as a Hot Shot fire fighter with the United States Forest Service. Tom then received his commission as an aviator with the United States Marine Corps, retiring after 21 years of service. He was a veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert storm serving in Kuwait and Iraq. After his time in the Marine Corps, Tom served his nation working for the United States Customs and Border Protection, and with multiple contractors as a helicopter, fixed wing and jet pilot. His work took him around the world with service in Afghanistan, Iraq, and parts of Africa. He loved the Lord and attended Fellowship Chapel and Virginia Avenue Baptist Church.
Tom was preceded in death by his mother and father. Tom leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 14 years, Kristel Martin Thatcher; Children, Thomas Nathan Thatcher currently serving in Guam, Wayne Thatcher of Surprise, AZ, Carmen Pirc and husband, Peter of Tucson AZ, Taylor Avila and husband Luis of Nashville TN; Grandchildren, Audree Spitzer, Mason Spitzer, Matt Pirc, Summer Pirc, and Levi Pirc; Brother, Craig Thatcher and sons; an uncle instrumental in his life, Charles “Chuck” Thatcher; several cousins; Life-long friend Wayne Connelley; and a host of family and friends here in Tennessee and Florida.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, August 1st, 2020 at 6pm at the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Scott Price and Pastor Mike Tyson officiating. The family will receive friends from 4pm until 5:45pm, prior to the service. A funeral procession will depart Weaver Funeral Home on Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 at 12:45pm for burial at Glenwood Cemetery. A White Rose Ceremony will be conducted by Sigma Chi, with full military honors rendered by the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard And Patton-Crosswhite VFW Post 6975. Pallbearers will be Nathan and Wayne Thatcher, Tim Wright, Luis Avila, Pastor Mike Tyson, and Chuck Wright. Honorary Pallbearer will be C.W. Hatcher.
In lieu of flowers, Tom’s family requests that memorial contributions be made to Niswonger Children’s Hospital, 400 N State of Franklin Rd, Johnston City, TN 37604.
The family has chosen to make the live stream of Tom’s service available to the public at oneroomstreaming.com EventID: WeaverFH and Password: UNGOMA
Online condolences may be registered at Weaver Funeral Home Bristol, TN 37620. Arrangements have been made with Weaver Funeral Home and Cremation services.
Fly High my precious Tom , time has been so short since we met , but when we first met I knew that you were so special ,like a mom feels about a son . We are going to miss that smile and that greeting LOVE YOU MOM ! FLY HIGH MY FRIEND !
I regret that we couldn’t quite coordinate the duck hunting expedition you were so enthusiastic about some years ago. Having only crossed paths a couple of times since our hotshot days, I probably never told you thanks for your extraordinary service to our country.
RIP Thatchmo.
Dear Kristel, my heart and my prayers go out to you and your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God continually surround you with His strength, His comfort, His peace and His unfailing love. Blessings, Wanda Singleton
Dear Sister Cuz,
My heart is breaking for you during this most difficult time that you are going through. I know your love for your Lord & Savior will carry you through without fail. Continue to trust and let Him be your strength. May He surround you with peace and comfort always.
Love, Kimmie
Dearest Kristel,
You are in my thoughts and prayers & I love you very much.
Love,
Aunt Eva
Dear Kristel, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I was Tom’s group supervisor with U. S. Customs Aviation. Tom was a talented pilot and his opinions and advise were always respected and appreciated. He left us too soon. Thank you Tom for your service to our country.
Semper Fi
Dave
I shared many years and adventures in the Blackhawk with Tom at CBP in Tucson. He was always focused on the job and cared about his crews. My condolences to his family.
With deepest sympathies for Tom’s family in the loss of a husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Prayers for the surrounding tender comfort and strength in the LORD during this time.
Christa
I’ll always regret not being able to fish with you like we talked about while you were in Myrtle. I rejoice in the truth and hope that we WILL see each other again in Glory!!! I celebrate you Tom!! The missions we flew together in Afghanistan… It was always a joy to watch you worship while I lead during chapel services over there. You’re able to worship now before the throne and King of Kings!!! Have fun brother…