Thomas Lee Veith

Everyone’s life is the sum total of all of the people they have met, the things they have done, the places they have gone. Thomas Lee Veith was no exception. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Thomas will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Thomas’s life journey began on April 9, 1947. He first greeted the world in Arnold, Nebraska. His parents' names were Ernest and Verena Veith. He was raised in Colorado Springs with three siblings, Rodney, Roger and Rhonda. He attended and graduated from White Field High School in 1965.

Falling in love is a huge milestone for any person. Knowing that you have met that special someone is a magical feeling. Thomas experienced that with Preciosa Rodriguez and the couple exchanged wedding vows on January 23, 1989. The wedding took place at Good Samaritan Church in National City, California. On October 24, 1996 the two convalidated their marriage at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in Chula Vista, California and remained happily married for the remainder of his life.

How a person performs in the workplace can be a reflection on how they live their life. Fortunately, Thomas enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Thomas worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. Thomas enlisted in The United States Navy and honorably served for 24 years earning the final rank of E-8, Senior Chief. He held numerous vital roles within the Navy including being a Tactical Ship Actions Officer, Senior Chief Operation Specialist (enlisted), Surface Warfare Specialist, Master Training Specialist, Piloting Officer, Weapons Liaison Officer, Command Duty Officer, he watched the bill coordination on the ship and was the officer of the deck. During his enlistment, Thomas earned various medals, awards and ribbons including the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Vietnam Service Medal with 7 Bronze Stars and a Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.

After his military retirement, Thomas chose to work as a car salesman for Mitsubishi.

Thomas enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in a number of different activities, including bowling with his friends and family, playing volleyball and watching his favorite programs on the television. He was always willing to share his interests with others.

Thomas Veith left us on July 23, 2011. He passed away at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California after fighting a battle against lung cancer. He is survived by his loving wife Preciosa R. Veith; his son Shannon Veith and many other relatives and friends. Services were handled by Glen Abbey Mortuary. A funeral mass was held at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in Chula Vista on July 30, 2011. Thomas received full military honors by the United States Navy and was laid to rest at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California.

Simply stated, Thomas was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being caring and giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Thomas leaves behind him a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life Thomas Lee Veith touched will always remember him with a smile.