Tommy was born and raised in McAllen, Texas. After graduating from McAllen High School, he enlisted in the Navy. Some of his first assignments were as a seaman on the aircraft carriers, Midway and Coral Sea. Tommy’s successful career in the Navy allowed him to travel the world, as he served his country for 30 years.
Toward the end of his service, while stationed at Naval Air Station Moffett Field, he met the love of his life, Janie Garrels. Tommy and Janie shared 43 years of marriage until her passing in 2016. During their marriage, they enjoyed owning two boats, loved traveling on cruises, and traveling to see family and friends. Janie owned Kaiser Dance Studio for more than 20 years and they both loved to dance. They were members of several ballroom dancing clubs, including Debonaire Dancers. They were also active members of the Lutheran Church.
Tommy is survived by his two children from his first marriage, Bruce Stanley of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Connie Sellers, of Middleburg, Florida; his sisters Eddie Anderson of Muskegon, Michigan and Kathy Faltersak of Austin, Texas; stepdaughters Georgia Bridgen of Henderson, Nevada and Leslie Miller of Seattle, Washington; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A gravesite service will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at noon at Mission City Memorial Cemetery, in Santa Clara, CA.
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