Thomas Richard Heydweiller, age 63 of Decherd, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023 just moments after returning from a bucket list beach trip. He was born on April 21, 1959, in Lindenhurst, New York to the late Fredrick Richard and Jane Elizabeth Heydweiller.
As a young boy, Tom enjoyed his years as a boy scout, completing the honored rank of Eagle Scout.
Tom was proud of his 5 year service in the Air National Guard, which evolved into 16 years of a stellar Air Force career. Staff Sargent Heydweiller’s most exemplary accomplishments in his Air Force career were within two of the most defining events in history. He was a combat Vet during Desert Storm responsible for maintaining the newly introduced LANTRIN system, as well as training the pilots on the proper use of that system. While stationed at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma, Tom worked at the Command Post where he was, not only the lead coordinator for the base but, the one person assigned to talk directly to the White House, including President Clinton when the tragedy and chaos of the Oklahoma City bombing occurred. Tom also participated in Body Recovery at the bombing site, which was his honor to do.
After the Air Force, Tom had various jobs mostly concentrating on ones in the food service industry. He enjoyed the years owning “The Pita Pit” in downtown Nashville. Most recently, he was the Prep Chef at the newly opened “Three Casks” restaurant at the Nashville airport.
In his spare time, before Complex PTSD and Pancreatic Cancer took his energy, Tom enjoyed camping, woodworking, model making, and toying with RC cars. He thoroughly enjoyed watching Sci Fi shows, especially anything from the Star Trek franchise. Tom loved sharing his love of music with his three sons, and they often went to concerts together. And if the NY Yankees were in the World Series, we would find Tom glued to the game.
Tom will be remembered for his strong will (a.k.a stubbornness, I told you I would put it that way lol), his ambitious attitude, his strong work ethic and his compassion for others. His primary focus in life was providing for his family, even during times of struggle it was not evident to the family because of the sacrifices he would make. He provided us a good life, for which we are eternally grateful.
In addition to his parents Tom was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, Justin “Hondo” Murphy, a pseudo-son of many years, several Aunts and Uncles, his Father and Mother-law James and Beryl Davis, two brother-in-laws Glenn and Gary Davis and many beloved pets.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Barbara “Barbie” Rene’ Heydweiller, three sons, Michael, Jason (Lauren Laurino), and Steven (Whitney), and grandchildren, Caroline Lucille, Oliver Finn, and Rowan Allicin. Siblings, Karen (Lee) Johnston, and Janie (Kevin) Donlin. Brothers and sister-in-laws, Bryan (Pat) Davis, Cathy Davis and Carol Davis as well as several dearly loved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 3-4pm on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 pm in the Chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home.
