In his 88 years on this earth, this man lived through an incredibly diverse and changing world. Born Tommy Earl Stubbe on July 22, 1933 in Pittsburg, Illinois, the first of two children to Lora and Virgil Stubbe, he grew up too poor to realize there was a Great Depression. Tommy and his younger sibling (Yvonne) learned early on to be self-reliant and provide for themselves. This early independence proved to be a mold which he used throughout his entire life.

He started his Military career on February 11, 1953 in Pittsburg, Illinois and was then transferred to Ellington Air Force Base in Houston, Texas. He also worked as a Lifeguard at Ellington Air Force Base at the Officers Pool.

He then met his wife Katheryn Ann Akery and was Married on May 29, 1955. Their union produced three sons, Tommy Jr., Stephen Alan, and John Kelly. He and wife Kathy started their own business together at the Farm, Orange Grove Game Birds & Hatchery for over 30 years.

After his military career working on jet aircrafts he was employed at Sinclair Refinery in Security in Laporte, Texas. After 10 years of service with Sinclair he went to work for Trans-Texas Airways as a DC-3 Aircraft Mechanic doing what he loved. He retired from Continental Airlines on August 1, 1998 after 32 years of service.

His love for antique cars led him to be a long time member of the Antique Car Club of America. He had one national winner a 1936 Ford Five Window Coupe.

In spite of his many attributes and various qualifications he remained a very honest and humble man. His incredible dedication to his family was demonstrated each and every day. Fiercely independent, he lived out his later years in Tomball, Texas with wife Kathy. This marriage withstood the test of time and continued on for 66 years. This amazing man's influence is evidence by the 3 generations of descendants he is survived by: 3 children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. We should all aspire to leave such a lasting impression as he did.

In Loving Memory

Tommy Earl Stubbe, Sr.

Survived By Wife, Katheryn Akery Stubbe;

Sons, Tommy Jr. and wife Debbie, Stephen Alan and wife Tamie, and John Kelly and wife Stephanie;

Grandchildren, Tyler Stubbe & wife Megan, Kristen Stubbe, Dylan Stubbe, Peyton Stubbe, and Candice Skorka and husband Brad;

Great-Grandchildren, Greyson Stubbe, Kynlee Stubbe, Luke Skorka and Jacob Skorka.

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God has laid you see.
I took His hand when I heard him call
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee
God wanted me now; He set me free.

The family request that Memorials be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation:

https://t2t.org/