We are so saddened to hear of Tom's passing and our hearts go out to Remi, Steve and Kelly. Robert and I met Tom and Remi through Eckerd Drugs back in the late 70's. So many memories of getting together for drinks and dinner after work at each other's homes. Calling each other up and asking "Hey, what do you have in your refrigerator? How about putting that together with our stuff and let's make a meal!" Then Tom and Robert would go out and look for mesquite branches to use in the barbecue pit so we could grill up fajitas, hamburgers or hot dogs, whatever we had on hand. It didn't matter if it was freezing or drizzling outside those two guys would have a blast. Robert and Tom worked very well together at Eckerd's. Robert was the pharmacist and Tom was the store manager. Together they were always breaking sales records and having a great time while doing it. The four of us would talk about work and dream of some day somehow opening a pharmacy together, but God had another plan.
Our children Steven and Eric were always included in our adventures together. Later Garret came along and Tom and Remi were his God parents. Kelly was born after Robert and I moved to Brownsville to be closer to my parents. Time and distance separated us, but our friendship with Tom and Remi has remained in our hearts through it all. May our Heavenly Father watch over our dear friend Tom and may he forever rest in the Lord's peace and love. God bless you Remi, Steven and Kelly! May He surround you in His loving arms and shower you with His peaceful grace! Love always, your friends, Linda and Robert Autrey

Goodbye to a good friend and classmate. He was always very friendly and considerate to me. He was a great person and a good St. Joe kid. I will remember him in my prayers.

My deepest sympathy goes out to all of Tom's family. I have fond memories of growing up with all the Arings in the Quad Cities. We enjoyed lots of "cousin time" and the blessings of frequent family gatherings.

Eulogy for Tom Aring from his daughter, Kelly

As we prepared this week for the memorial of my dad, the focus was about capturing and conveying the good memories of his life. To remind ourselves he lived a good life, to look back on things we will miss now that he is gone, to remember how good of a man he was. Most of us knew these things would be a given, but in the practice of looking back, I was overwhelmed by the impact he had on my life and others. His reach was much further than I had ever known. There are so many ways to go through life, but daddy, he never let anyone doubt. Doubt his love, doubt his support, doubt themselves, doubt his zest for life. Everyone around him was always assured of his affection, his wisdom, his faith in them. It is because of these things that so many felt touched by his light, myself included.
                The act of preparing for someone's memorial is supposed to be a helpful process for closure on someone suddenly being gone from your life. I think in this process I have learned, not closure, but how to fully appreciate what a remarkable man my daddy was in life, which I had taken for granted before. We had to select a certain number of pictures for the memorial and what I didn't expect was how cherished the everyday pictures would be to me over the milestones. I was more touched by the picture of the hug, the home cooked meal, the fire on the patio, the small affectionate smile between two people, and I'd like to think it is because my dad would have appreciated these things most. That he was already there beside me whispering, Look how much fun we had that day baby girl, remember how great it was chasing those birds?
Picking the music for his memorial services was infinitely more difficult. You see, my dad had this wonderful habit of trying to help us remember the fun times. Anytime we would go on a road trip, and we went on quite a few, he would pick one album and that would be the only music we listened to the entire trip. He never told us this was his deliberate plan, but later in life when Steely Dan would come on, we would say, man dad, I feel like I am back in Galveston driving on the sea wall! He finally admitted when we were a bit older it was all part of his plan, but there is something to it. Such a small thing to attach love and affection to but that was how he loved, through the little acts. He loved music so much and hearing songs from his computer brought me back through his life and my memories with him.  He wanted to share the things he loved with everyone. 
His appreciation of the little things was a deliberate choice and habit of his. He had this same trait with people. He always showed a person the good in them that others might have overlooked. And it has been my experience that it was this trait in him that people were drawn to. In the week leading up to the wake I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of people from all over telling me that he was their mentor, their supporter, their biggest cheerleader and I believe it because he is still the most generous man I've ever known. Every day for the rest of my life, I will have something I want to tell him about, just like I did when he was with us. It will just be a different way of talking to him. So many people will be affected by this loss because of the man he was.
 
I love you daddy, I miss you daddy. Love from your baby girl

There was no finer person to ever walk the Earth. Tom was generous to a fault, kind, caring and generous. A model father, a dedicated husband and an all around great guy. Somehow the good too often get called home first. This was one of those times.  With deepest sympathies and condolences to Rem, Stephen and Kelly.

AND STILL I CRY

Tom, your presence is felt
You protect me from depths of despair
You awaken my memories
I see you in my mind's eye everywhere
And still I cry

The hours we'd spend on the phone
Now silent
I smell your scent linger
Supporting me
And still I cry

Tom, you were incomparable
Exemplary husband
Flawless father
Exceptional brother
Remarkable uncle
A ceaselessly giving friend to all

Your shoulders were incessantly leaned on
Your back was sturdy
Never did you falter
Never a refusal
Always there

Tom, you made life idyllic
Your heart guided you
Your only ambition was your family's happiness
A passion for compassion
Insatiable appetite for laughter

Tom your literal view on road signs
Sharing an unending laughter
Why the protest? End Construction  End Road Work
Who's winning the race? Detour Ahead  Road Work Ahead
I see you on every road

Tom, my Tom
Prairie Fire, our Prairie Fire
Phantom, our Phantom

You were stolen
I am broken
And still I cry

Eulogy for Tom Aring from his son, Steve

Thank you for coming today to salute my Dad Tom for the amazing person we all knew him to be.  To salute him for all the love and good and happiness he spread wherever he was at any given moment.  From what I knew of my Dad, this was his life mission.

We can say we now have an outstanding guardian angel in my Dad as he looks down on us from Heaven.  That is definitely true. 

The bigger truth is, he has always been our guardian angel, even while he walked amongst us. 

Tom had an uncanny ability to immediately decipher when a person was in need and help us immediately fill that need.  Whether it be a small need like needing a certain tool to more effectively grill a steak, or making sure to have your favorite beverage on hand when he knew you were coming over.  Or even a large need like spending hours on the phone or in person with a loved one to walk them through what they may see as one of the most difficult challenges they had ever faced.  I can't think of a problem he was not able to help me solve.

The way my dad handled life was and will always be my life manual.  He taught me how to negotiate life positively, how to handle my problems as an honest man, how to work my hardest, how to put myself in other's shoes, how to love and cherish my wife, and most importantly, how to bring up 2 of the most loving, intelligent, and amazing boys that now spread love and joy the way he did.  They lit up with excitement any time they knew they were going to see their Grandpa.  The bond they had was eye opening to say the least, and it hurts me deeply knowing that will not progress.

The Sunday before last, Tom, Liam, Aidan and I went for a drive in the country.  We stopped at the lake to throw rocks in the water at a secret little spot.  It might not sound like much to some, but that is a prime example of how my dad could take simple little things and make them such an experience for those involved that they became a life long memory.  Dad was able to point out how special this secret spot was in ways I never thought of until he voiced them.

Driving away from the lake that day, my dad patted me on the shoulder and told me how proud he was of Kelly and me.  How proud he was of all that we had accomplished, and the people we had become.  I told him how lucky we were to have such involved and loving parents that would sacrifice so much to see that we succeeded.  We had had this same conversation many times before.  Obviously, it touched me each time, but that instance is the one I will remember most.  Many are lucky to have this conversation with their parent once in a lifetime.

I would be lucky to be half the father, husband, and man he was. He set the bar high and I will always strive to reach it.  It would take hours, if not days, to be able to even start to describe what an amazing man my Dad was.  I have but barely scratched the surface.

So in summary from what my Dad has taught me, Tom's recipe for a happy, meaningful life is put everyone's needs above your own, don't sweat the small stuff, learn to enjoy the simple things in life with those you love and those you don't even know, help everyone you can, always look at the strengths in people rather than their faults, and lift everyone up that needs lifting, no matter who they are. 

My life will never be the same without you, Pop.  I don't think I will ever lose the urge to call you or see you whenever I have a question or a new development in my life.  My only comfort now is I can talk to you whenever I want.  I know there won't always be a response, but I know you will always hear me.  I love and miss you, Dad.

My Dad is the greatest man I will ever know.  The biggest hero I will ever have.

Think about Remee and family everyday. Hope each day gets easier. Tom is still greatly missed and loved

A huge loss for all - Tom was articulate, kind and immensely well researched.  His knowledge of Corregidor and the Philippine campaigns was staggering...as was his kindness and willingness to share information.

Wishing all the best to his family in this time of sadness - and sharing my warmest regards for Tom and devastation at his departure.

V/R,
Shawn Welch
Colonel (retired), US Army

As we prepared this week for the memorial of my dad, the focus was about capturing and conveying the good memories of his life. To remind ourselves he lived a good life, to look back on things we will miss now that he is gone, to remember how good of a man he was. Most of us knew these things would be a given, but in the practice of looking back, I was overwhelmed by the impact he had on my life and others. His reach was much further than I had ever known. There are so many ways to go through life, but daddy, he never let anyone doubt. Doubt his love, doubt his support, doubt themselves, doubt his zest for life. Everyone around him was always assured of his affection, his wisdom, his faith in them. It is because of these things that so many felt touched by his light, myself included.

The act of preparing for someone’s memorial is supposed to be a helpful process for closure on someone suddenly being gone from your life. I think in this process I have learned, not closure, but how to fully appreciate what a remarkable man my daddy was in life, which I had taken for granted before. We had to select a certain number of pictures for the memorial and what I didn’t expect was how cherished the everyday pictures would be to me over the milestones. I was more touched by the picture of the hug, the home cooked meal, the fire on the patio, the small affectionate smile between two people, and I’d like to think it is because my dad would have appreciated these things most. That he was already there beside me whispering, “Look how much fun we had that day baby girl, remember how great it was chasing those birds?” 

Picking the music for his memorial services was infinitely more difficult. You see, my dad had this wonderful habit of trying to help us remember the fun times. Anytime we would go on a road trip, and we went on quite a few, he would pick one album and that would be the only music we listened to the entire trip. He never told us this was his deliberate plan, but later in life when Steely Dan would come on, we would say, “man dad, I feel like I am back in Galveston driving on the sea wall!” He finally admitted when we were a bit older it was all part of his plan, but there is something to it. Such a small thing to attach love and affection to but that was how he loved, through the little acts. He loved music so much and hearing songs from his computer brought me back through his life and my memories with him.  He wanted to share the things he loved with everyone.  

His appreciation of the little things was a deliberate choice and habit of his. He had this same trait with people. He always showed a person the good in them that others might have overlooked. And it has been my experience that it was this trait in him that people were drawn to. In the week leading up to the wake I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of people from all over telling me that he was their mentor, their supporter, their biggest cheerleader and I believe it because he is still the most generous man I’ve ever known. Every day for the rest of my life, I will have something I want to tell him about, just like I did when he was with us. It will just be a different way of talking to him. So many people will be affected by this loss because of the man he was. 
 
I love you daddy, I miss you daddy. Love from your baby girl

Thank you for coming today to salute my Dad for the amazing person we all knew him to be.  To salute him for all the love and good and happiness he spread wherever he was at any given moment.  From what I knew of my Dad, this was his life mission.

We can say we now have an outstanding guardian angel in my Dad as he looks down on us from Heaven.  That is certainly true. 
The big truth is, he has always been our guardian angel, even while he walked amongst us. 

Dad had an uncanny ability to immediately decipher when a person was in need and help us immediately fill that need.  Whether it be a small need like needing a certain tool to more effectively grill a steak, or making sure to have your favorite beverage on hand when he knew you were coming over.  Or even a large need like spending hours on the phone or in person with a loved one to walk them through what they may see as one of the most difficult challenges they had ever faced.  I can't think of a problem he was not able to help me solve.

The way my dad handled life was and will always be my life manual.  He taught me how to negotiate life positively, how to handle my problems as an honest man, how to work my hardest, how to put myself in other's shoes, how to love and cherish my wife, and most importantly, how to bring up 2 of the most loving, intelligent, and amazing boys that now spread love and joy the way he did.  They lit up with excitement any time they knew they were going to see their grandpa.  The bond they had was eye opening to say the least, and it kills me knowing that will not progress.

The Sunday before last, Dad, Liam, Aidan and I went for a drive in the country.  We stopped at the lake to throw rocks in the water at a secret little spot.  It might not sound like much to some, but that is a prime example of how my dad could take simple little things and make them such an experience for those involved that they became a life long memory.  Dad was able to point out how special this secret spot was in ways I never thought of until he voiced them.

Driving away from the lake that day, my dad patted me on the shoulder and told me how proud he was of Kelly and me.  How proud he was of all that we had become and accomplished, and the people we had become.  I told him how lucky we were to have such involved and loving parents that would sacrifice so much to see that we succeeded.  We had had this same conversation many times before.  Obviously, it touched me each time, but that instance is the one I will remember most.  Many are lucky to have this conversation with their parent once in a lifetime.
I would be lucky to be half the father, husband, and man he was. He set the bar high and I will always strive to reach it.  It would take hours, if not days, to be able to even start to describe what an amazing man my Dad was.  I have but barely scratched the surface.

So in summary from what my Dad has taught me, Tom's recipe for a happy, meaningful life is put everyone's needs above your own, don't sweat the small stuff, learn to enjoy the simple things in life with those you love and those you don't even know, help everyone you can, always look at the strengths in people rather than their faults, and lift everyone up that needs lifting, no matter who they are. 

My life will never be the same without you, Pop.  I don't think I will ever lose the urge to call you or see you whenever I have a question or a new development in my life.  My only comfort now is I can talk to you whenever I want.  I know there won't always be a response, but I know you will always hear me.  I love and miss you, Dad.
My dad is the greatest man I will ever know.  The biggest hero I will ever have.

Remee, we are saddened about Tom's passing.  Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.  You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  The few times we have spent with Tom we can tell that he's a sweet man always with a warm smile. He'll be greatly missed.  God bless you and your family.

I am so sorry to hear about Tom's passing.He was a kind,sweet man who ALWAYS had a smile for everybody.My deepest condolences to his family.I'll be praying for him and you.

I was saddened to hear of Tom's passing.  Tom was always a pleasure to work with and just to spend time with.  I had the pleasure to work with him both as a store manager and as district manger and he was a man of outstanding integrity that treated everybody with great respect and the warmest of hearts.  He will be greatly missed.

I'm very sorry to hear of Tom's passing, I knew Tom as a young handsome guy at Alleman HS in Rock Island. He was and always will be one of the nicest and kindest guys as illustrated above but that is how he was in his High School days as well.
I'm saddened also because I use to live in Ft Worth / Dallas area now in Houston and would have loved to have caught up with him in this world and exchange reflections. Looks like I will have to catch him on the back side.
He was and is a great guy don't let him depart from your heart. See ya Tom!

I am deeply sorry about Tom, never met him but I feel like I knew him thru Malou's stories in the past. I think the hardest part of losing someone isn't having to say goodbye, but rather learning to live without them. We always try to fill the void, the emptiness that's left inside our heart when they go. I pray that God will give you and your family strength, courage, and ability to endure your heartaches and overcome your pain. I pray to help your family to move past hard times and to take the next step toward healing, peace and contentment. Please take care, God bless you and your entire family.

I think the hardest part of losing someone isn't having to say goodbye, but rather learning to live without them. We always try to fill the void, the emptiness that's left inside our heart when they go. I pray that God will give you and your family strength, courage, and ability to endure your heartaches and overcome your pain. I pray to help you and your family to move past hard times and to take the next step toward healing, peace and contentment. Please take care, God bless you and your entire family.

I am terribly saddened to hear of Tom's passing. I had hoped to meet him one day on Corregidor. We corresponded many times on the corregidor.proboards.com website and I always enjoyed reading his intelligent and well researched posts. He will be missed very much. I extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to his family. Chad Hill

So sorry to hear of your loss.  I worked with Tom at Eckerd Drug. He was a great man and will be greatly missed.  May God be with your family.

Remee: Tom will be missed. He always had a smile and was willing to help anyone. We will pray for him as well as you, Stephen, and Kelly.

I worked with Tom at Eckerds for many years. Tom was always so polite and respectful . My sympathy to the family and prayers for Gods comfort during this trying time.

Remee, Stephen, Kelly and family - We will always remember Tom's enthusiasm and good will.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.  We mourn Tom's passing, but celebrate his life.  With love from Rich and Barbara

Our deepest condolences to the Aring family. It was a blessing to have known you and still cant believe you are gone. You are one of the sweetest, caring men I've had the pleasure of knowing. May you rest in peace.

I had the pleasure of working with Tom at Eckerd Drug Company during the 1980's & 90s.  He was a Gentleman in every way and a very smart business man.  I am very sorry to hear of his passing and want to send heartfelt sympathy to his family. 
Sincerely, 
Pat Johnson

We are sorry to learn of the passing of Tom, but grateful for his service to our nation with the Peace Corps in the Philippines.

Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association

Our heartfelt condolences to Remee and her family. Ellen and I can't believe Tom is gone. his love of the History of Corregidor Island I admire the most. He's more Filipino than any one else I know. He will be missed terribly.

Tom had more empathy than anyone I can recall.

My deepest condolences to the Aring family.  Tom was one of the finest gentleman I have ever met.

I will never forget  the times I shared with Tom when we shared a district at Eckerds.  I also fondly remember his fire pit, his German potato salad...and most of all his stories of his trips to the Philippines.  He was a kind and fun loving man who brought sunshine to all.  It was an honor and privilege to have been his friend.

Our entire family - Cads, Nini and our children send our deepest condolences. May you find comfort in the love of friends and the guidance of the Lord. We will continue to offer prayers for you, Tom and your family. 

- Cads, Nini and Family

Tom was the best father-in-law in the world. He always showed me love and support just as if I was his child. He was an amazing Grandpa to our sons. He will be missed deeply.

Heart felt sympathy and my deepest condolences for the Aring family..keep in your heart the good times and he will always be with you..God Bless..

Will always treasure the kindness that Tom always showed to my daughter Allison and how much he loved our two  beautiful grandsons .  He will always be in our hearts.  He will truly be missed!  Appreciated his kindness at all times.Charlotte

Praying for all. So sorry for your loss! My sympathy and condolences.

I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss.  I worked many years with Tom at Eckerd and have very fond memories of him.

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with Thomas comfort you and your family, today and always and my God bless and keep your family strong. (Psalm 83:18)

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family during this time of grief. 1 corinthians 15: 26,

Praying for your family and our deepest sympathy for your loss of Thomas.

I am deeply sorry to hear the loss of your father.  My heart breaks for you.  Please know you have my deepest condolences.

Remee, Kelly and Steve and family, we are so sorry we will not be able to attend Tom's service due to health reasons, but we are there in spirit.  Our deepest condolences.

We are so sorry we cannot attend the service this week.  Our deepest condolences.

What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose.  All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.  - Helen Keller

RIP in peace TC.

OBITUARY

Thomas Charles Aring

January 23, 1951 – September 26, 2015

Ted Dickey West Funeral Home

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