Thomas Sebron Sublette

Thomas Sebron Sublette passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 22, 2025, less than one month before his ninety-third birthday. Up until the end he was ever-ready with smiles for loving family and caregivers who made sure he had the best possible in comfort and care, and grateful and happy to share stories from his long, full life.

Best known by his childhood nickname “Buck,” he was known by all as a man first and foremost completely dedicated to his family and faith, with a positive attitude and willing to take on any and all projects no matter how difficult, and always eager to give back to his church and community.

Thomas was born on December 15, 1932, in Portales New Mexico, son of Thomas Cornelius Sublette and Monnie Louise Williams. After the passing of his parents when he was young, he moved to Buffalo, New York with his aunt, Lena Fabozzi. As a young man he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, later serving in the Air National Guard and finally working in aviation manufacturing for the Department of Defense until his retirement. He married Ramona Madeleine Vanke on April 17, 1952, and settled in Southern California where he would spend the rest of his life. After her death at age 50, he married Fern Blackwood on November 11, 1989, eventually nursing her through Alzheimer’s until her death in 2016.

Buck loved the outdoors and he and the family frequently traveled throughout the Southwestern U.S. (and occasionally beyond) to enjoy camping, hiking, and visiting extended family. A favorite hobby was exploring the desert to find arrowheads, and eventually he gathered a good collection. He greatly appreciated Native American jewelry as well and began silversmithing, forming his own business called Red Bird Jewelry and creating beautiful pieces including belt buckles, rings, earrings and necklaces for family and friends. He was active in his church, First Lutheran Church Missouri Synod of Fontana, California, serving as an usher and helping the church found a parochial school, where he served as the first superintendent; and in later years he was an active member at Providence Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Temecula.

Buck is preceded in death by his brother Jack Sublette and sisters Mona Pinnell and Bonnie Ranieri, as well as his two beloved wives Ramona and Fern. He is survived by his four children, Margaret Haimbaugh, Cheryl McNulty, Alex Sublette and Suzanne Humpleby, as well as his 8 nieces and nephews, 13 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held on December 29, 2025, at Miller Jones Mortuary, 26770 Murrieta Rd., Menifee Ca 92585. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse at samaritanspurse.org.

We love you Dad, Grandpa, husband and friend and will miss you until we see you again in Heaven.