Mr. Thomas Church Gleaton, son of the late Thomas Justice Gleaton and Mary Geneda Snyder was born November 22nd, 1927 in St. Petersburg, Florida. At an early age Thomas professed his faith in Jesus Christ and joined Rocky Creek Baptist Church where he was a dedicated member and an ordained deacon. Mr. Gleaton, a US Army Veteran served his country proudly during World War II and was active in Veteran affairs. After the war “Papa,” as he was so affectionately known to all, joined the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers where he worked until retirement. Finally, in the Spring of 1967, Papa met the love of his life, Mary Jane Wilson, they married, and the couple were blessed with eight children.
Mr. Gleaton was an active member of the Baptist Association Ministry where his generous and fun-loving spirit, outgoing personality, and selfless compassion for others made him one of the most beloved parishioners in the congregation. His Christian lifestyle was genuinely deep as was his love for Jesus Christ. His influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew him. He peacefully passed on Saturday, February 20th, 2021 in Tampa, Florida where the angels guided him to be with his Lord and Savior and all his loved ones who passed before him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane, his daughter, Pam Tucker, his son William Jackson, and brother Joseph Gleaton. Thomas is survived by his sister, Marlene Verran, children Joseph Gleaton, Johnny Gleaton, Sherry Gabino, Susan and her husband Bob Drouin, and Janet Valezquez, sixteen grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
“Papa” truly loved life to the fullest through simple pleasures; reading his Bible and singing Christian hymns, taking solace reading the words of God, and of course there was his great love of fishing, cheering on our Florida Gators and watching his favorite football team, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He loved spending time with his family, spreading the word of the Gospel and sharing his own personal words of wisdom to all that would listen. Papa had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. His contagious smile and optimism even during the bleakest of times, never swayed.
Funeral services will be held on March 2nd, 2021 at 10:00 am at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 East Lake Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33610.
In Leu of flowers, please send all donations to Rocky Creek Baptist Church, 6403 Theresa Road Tampa, Florida.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5