Tom Love (“Tommy”) was a deeply loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, mentor, and friend. He was outgoing, and he loved the outdoors. He enjoyed telling stories. He liked pulling people’s legs. His big personality attracted friends and his six-foot-six frame made him hard to miss. He sometimes called himself “Big Dog Tom.” He could be strict, focused, and deeply serious. From childhood, he was hardworking and relentless when he set upon a task. At the same time, he was silly and goofy. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. He had a generous heart. He showed his love for others by giving time, service, and gifts. Most of all, he loved God and was a faithful contributor to His church. Tom Love made a difference in eternity. He will not be forgotten.
Tom was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on October 19, 1946 to Thomas Hilton Love, Sr. and Mazie Hodges Love. He was the second of three children, including sisters Barbara and Becky. Tom attended W.B. Ray High School, where he played football and made many lifelong friends. He chose demanding summer jobs: commercial driver, steel coiler, and roughneck.
Tom attended the University of Arkansas (1965-1970) where he earned a business degree, played football for the Razorbacks, made more lifelong friends, and met his future wife, Janie Phillips. Tom and Jane had two children, John (1971) and Kim (1975).
After college, Tom began a successful business career. His various promotions required Tom and Jane to relocate frequently. They lived in San Antonio, Oklahoma, Dallas, Kansas, Chicago, St. Louis, and Denver.
Tom worked for Mobil Oil Corporation for the first half of his career. He held many positions, advancing from manager, to director, to executive. In 1991, Tom accepted an senior executive position with a private re-insurance company (IDS), which was later bought by AON. Tom retired as President and CEO of AON Warranty Group in 2005.
Tom possessed many skills. On the business side, these included expertise in Change Management, Risk Management, Leadership, Team Building, Sales, Finance, Strategy, Negotiation, Training, and much more. He lists 34 skills on his LinkedIn profile. Many people sought Tom’s mentorship and advice over the years. He left his mark on many people.
Tom also had many talents outside of work. He could build furniture, fix cars, fix broken toys, and fix just about anything around the house. He showed competence at everything he tried. He was an expert fly fisherman and avid golfer.
Tom retired at the young age of 59. For ten years, he was president of his neighborhood HOA in Morrison, Colorado. During his golden years, he was able to travel, fish, golf, read, visit family, enjoy his two cocker spaniels, Katy and Bella, and much more. After decades of hard work, he finally got to live life to the fullest.
In 2017, Tom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s/Lewy bodies. He also underwent two back surgeries and other procedures which made it hard for him to get around and do all the things he loved. But he never gave up trying. Tom was a fighter. He never backed down from a fight during his entire life, and he vowed that he would beat his disease. Eventually, Tom had to move into assisted living facilities due to his increasing need for physical help. Given his size and strong will, it sometimes took a team to assist him. He made new friends quickly among residents and caregivers. Although his stories grew more fanciful, his memory never faded, and his determination never wavered. He went to the gym every day and fought hard to stay as healthy as he could.
Tom always cared about others. Even in his last days, he was concerned about other residents in his facility and would look out for their needs whenever he could. He passed away on May 21, 2023 after his neurological condition proved unbeatable…
For now.
As a last gift to the world, Tom donated his brain for Parkinson’s research. Donations like these are desperately needed. Tom hoped to make a difference in other people’s lives in the future, and when a cure for Parkinson’s/Lewy bodies is finally found, his legacy will be part of that miracle.
Tom made a difference in the lives of all who loved him, and to many who will never know him. His family knows he now has his reward in heaven, where he has a new, perfect body, no pain; eternal joy, and the hope of seeing all of us again. His chains are gone, he has been set free. He has won the race and fought the good fight. We will see him again. He will never be forgotten.
Tom passed away on May 21, 2023 at the age of 76. Tom is survived by his wife, Jane; his children, John (Kristie) and Kim; his granddaughter, Piper; his sisters, Barbara (Bill Corder) and Becky (Mike Blahnik); his siblings-in-law, Linda & Louis Deeter and Leisa Phillips; and by many other extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Mosaic Church in Littleton, CO at 11:00 a.m. followed by lunch. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Seven Stones Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Tom’s name to one of two charities. If you choose to donate, please give on behalf of “Tom Love” so all donations are counted together.
1. CU Lewy Body Dementia Association Center for Excellence - https://www.lbda.org/donate/
2. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research – https://give.michaeljfox.org/
To plant a tree in memory of Thomas H. "Tom" Love, Jr., visit the Tribute Store.
21
Jul
12472 W. Belleview Avenue
Littleton, CO 80127
A celebration of Tom's life followed by a lunch.
21
Jul
9635 North Rampart Range Road
Littleton, CO 80125
Graveside services following service and reception.
9635 North Rampart Range Road
Littleton, CO 80125
