After high school, Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a military career that would span decades. He first served in the military police and later retrained into advanced avionics and missile systems, supporting the specialized SR-71 Blackbird strategic reconnaissance program. Following two years of service overseas in the Vietnam War, his career concluded working in the LGM-30 Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile program.
In 1963, at a USO dance, Tom met the love of his life, Dianne. They were married shortly thereafter and shared more than 63 years together, a partnership defined by devotion, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to each other and to their family.
Following his military retirement, Tom worked in industrial management and sales. But it was his retirement at 62 that revealed his truest calling. Tom began restoring antique fans and telephones to museum-quality condition. He sold his restored pieces across North America, Europe, and Asia, and was regarded by many as a true artist in his craft. In recent years, he took great pride in mentoring Matt Sayers of Fort Smith as his apprentice, passing along the skills and standards he had spent a lifetime perfecting.
Tom had a wide range of interests and pursued each one wholeheartedly. Over the years that included hunting, fishing, camping, and snow skiing. In retirement, alongside his restoration work, he became a devoted keeper of purple martins. Above all, Tom gave generously of his time to his family, his friends, and anyone who needed a steady hand. Those who knew him would describe him as a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, and a loyal friend.
He is survived by his wife, Dianne Newcity; his daughter, Jodi Taylor, and her husband Tony; his son Michael and his wife Heather; his son Marshall; and his four grandchildren Cate Durbin and her husband Matt, Jack, Gracyn and Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Dorothy Newcity and his brother Ed. He is also survived by his sisters Carol Anne and Bonnie, and his brother Norman.
Tom lived a life of service, craftsmanship, and quiet greatness. He will be deeply missed.
Photos of Tom's life and work can be viewed at www.freshmetro.com/Tom
