Tom graduated from Benton High School in 1952. After graduation he joined the Air Force, and served four years as a radio operator with The Hurricane Hunter Division. He was discharged in 1956. Upon discharge he began an apprenticeship with the IBEW Local 545, which was completed in 1960. Tom worked for several electrical contractors until he began his own business, Lotz Electric, which was in business until 2003, when he retired due to health issues.
Tom will be re-united with his daughter, Debi (Bill), and will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Betty Lotz, sons, Kerry (Pam), Tommy (Debbie), and his daughters, Sheila (Harley), Kim (Mike). He will be greatly missed by nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.
He stood ten feet tall and could fix anything before you could bat an eye. Tom enjoyed sitting outside in the sunshine and his daily walks. He had a heart bigger than his body, and an ornery streak a mile wide. He loved playing marbles with Betty Jean, and he kept the best candy hidden in the little kettle by his chair. But, if you said please, he’d sneak you a piece. Sometimes it only cost a kiss on the cheek. He was stronger than an ox, tougher than nails, and he loved the hell out of our grandma. Especially kissing her on the forehead. We will always remember the exceptional way they loved each other. We will remember the strength it took to stay with us as long as you did, the resilience you showed to remember as much as you could, and the love that will last longer than a lifetime.
We might spill more cups now that you’re not around to scoot them back from the edge of the table, and, we may finally fall out of one of those chairs now that you’re not here to remind us that they tip, and to hold them steady until we’re safely sitting - but, the only thing better than having you as our dad and our grandpa, is having you as their hot doggie. We’re better people because you were ours.
Super heroes are supposed to live forever.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Rupp Funeral Home. Funeral services 2:00 PM, Friday, Chaplain Charles Lotz officiating. The Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences, obituary and public live stream at www.ruppfuneral.com.
