Thomas Maurice Sievers was born in Vincennes, Indiana on November 9, 1930 to Ruth Miller Sievers and Maurice Anthony Sievers. He grew up with his five brothers and sisters on the family farm before joining the Army National Guard of Indiana in 1951. Called up to active service during the Korean conflict, Tom spent a long and distinguished career in the U.S. Army as an Airborne Paratrooper and Special Forces Advisor in Hawaii, Germany, Laos, Vietnam, Panama and the United States. After retiring from the Army he became a Jr. ROTC teacher and trusted mentor at Douglas H. Byrd High School. Beloved by his family and friends and known for his endless energy and generosity, “Mr. Fix-It” was always ready with a hammer and a helping hand, leaving behind many projects that will serve as memorials to his hard work and ingenuity.
Tom loved trains, planes and automobiles, in that order, and he never missed a chance to see a steam engine. He loved to tell stories about growing up on the farm, driving the milk route with his father and hauling vegetables from Florida to Chicago. He also told stories about his adventures overseas, from gunfire across the East German border, to building landing strips in Laos, to making friends in the jungles of Honduras.
In his later “retirement” years Tom spent his days taking care of his family, friends and neighbors. Whether it was cutting your grass, fixing your car or lawnmower, helping you move or renovating your house, Tom never slowed down. He traveled for family and fun, visiting Denver, Wyoming, Chicago, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Oregon, and California and back to Indiana every summer--and he could (and would) draw you an accurate map to anywhere he had ever been. But he loved being home in Fayetteville, celebrating at his favorite Mexican restaurant or in the flop room with a glass of vintage “paisano” and just a little bit of chocolate ice cream.
Thomas was preceded in death by Dora Duke Howard Sievers, the mother of his four children. He is survived by his wife Irene Garcia Sievers, as well as his children Ed, Dave, Carolyn, and Claudia Sievers, and stepchildren Joseph and Anna Fitzgerald. He was also blessed with seven grandchildren—about whom he could brag at great length and in great detail--including T4 and Tinybeans, who brought much joy to his final days.
Although he will be forever missed, Tom leaves behind a happy legacy of love and service and a standard of integrity and devotion to which his family and friends can aspire. We will remember Tom by heeding his frequent exhortation to “be good to one another” and by following his example of extending a helping hand to others.
We love you, Thomas Maurice Sievers, aka Popcorn, Mr. Fix-It, El Guapo, and The Mayor of Cottonade. Adios!
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