Thomas Elwood Kistler, Jr.

Colonel Thomas E. Kistler, Jr. (RET) passed away peacefully in San Antonio, Texas, on November 30th, 2024, at the age of 89. He was born in Rochester, PA on January 8, 1935, to Jean List Kistler and Thomas E. Kistler. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife Nancy Jane Potter, and his sister, Rita Letsinger. He is survived by his son, William B. Kistler (Brad) and wife Clara, his son Gregory L. Kistler and wife Irene, grandchildren Gregory L. Kistler, Jr. (Larry) and Katharine A. Kistler (Katie), his brother-in-law Michael Potter and wife Sue, and nephew Dr. Steven Potter and niece Lauren Oliver. He is also survived by Marlene LaBauve, his devoted companion and love for ten years.

Colonel Kistler (RET) faithfully served his country as an esteemed medical logistician for 34 years, including command of the US Army Medical Materiel Center, Europe, in Pirmasens, Germany and coordinating and directing the distribution of medical supplies to US Army Field Hospitals during Operation Desert Storm. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served his country across the continents of Asia, North America and Europe as a Medical Service Corps officer. He retired from the US Army in 1991 and took retirement as seriously as a second career.

In retirement, Tom was an avid golfer and drove his golf cart to the Fort Sam Houston golf course from his and Nancy’s home in the neighborhood of Bel Meade. He enjoyed traveling, especially on cruises to Alaska, Europe and through the Panama Canal. He was a devoted grandfather and spent countless hours at sporting events, dance recitals and graduations for Larry and Katie and was particularly proud of his attendance at their college graduations, as well as the graduations of Steven and Lauren. He was a master craftsman and spent many hours in the months before each Christmas painting ceramic Santas and wooden Christmas ornaments for his family and friends. His greatest love was spending time with his adult children, Brad and Greg, who he regularly took to lunch at his favorite spots around San Antonio for barbecue and Italian.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the many people who cared for Tom in his final years, including Lupe, his valued housekeeper for more than fifteen years, and the staffs at Heart of Texas Hospice and Life Foundation Home Care, including Rebecca, his hospice nurse and Rosa and Eboni, his home health care workers.

The family will host calling hours at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Avenue, Sunday, January 12th, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

Burial with full military honors will take place on Monday, January 13th, at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 11:00 am. For those who wish to attend, please arrive at the Assembly Area no later than 10:45 am.