Search by Name

Search by Name

Thomas Earl Suitts

1932 - 2025

Thomas Earl Suitts obituary, 1932-2025

BORN

1932

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Elwood Funeral Home

302 Smith Ave

Elwood, Nebraska

Thomas Suitts Obituary

Thomas Earl Suitts

May 3, 1932 - April 18, 2025

Thomas Earl Suitts, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at home on April 18, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 92. Born in Moline, Illinois on May 3, 1932, Tom lived a full and vibrant life marked by service, adventure, craftsmanship, and deep devotion to his family.

On November 18, 1953, he married the love of his life, Phyllis M. Jacobs. Together they built a beautiful family with five children and shared more than seven decades of marriage.

A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Tom served during the Korean War as a member of the 328th Bombardment Squadron, flying aboard B-52s. He was awarded the National Defense Medal for his service. By a twist of fate, he was bumped from a flight on February 16, 1956-one that later became infamous after the aircraft caught fire near Castle Air Force Base.

Tom was an avid fisherman for big game fish, navigating the coastal waters of San Diego, CA to as far as South America and the Galápagos Islands for Marlin and Tuna. A natural on the water, he had a lifelong passion for fishing that would follow him wherever he went.

In 1960, Tom and his family relocated to Boulder, Colorado, where he founded Suitts Construction Company. Over the next several decades, he left a lasting legacy across Boulder County-constructing single-family homes and multi-unit apartment complexes that still stand today.

In addition to his work, Tom was an avid outdoorsman. Whether in the mountains or by the lake, he was never happier than with a fishing pole in his hand or hunting alongside his sons and grandsons. He later channeled this passion into founding Catch Wild Trout in Estes Park, Colorado-sharing his love of the sport with countless others.

Tom was an extremely competitive tennis player, winning several local tournaments in Boulder.

In 1994, Tom and Phyllis moved to Elwood, Nebraska, where he spent his golden years doing what he loved most: fishing nearly every day on the region's many lakes and relaxing at the family lake house on Plum Creek Canyon Lake. He was still ably commanding the docks and shores at 92 years old!

Tom was a man of humor, grit, and generosity. He was known far and wide as the king of pranks, always quick with a clever joke or playful surprise. But beneath his wit was a deeply loyal and loving man who cherished time with his family above all else.

He is survived by his children: Gary Suitts (Robin), Gayle Stech (David), Greg Suitts (Cyndi), and Brad Suitts. He was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, his daughter Cheryl Marie Suitts, and nine brothers and sisters.

He leaves behind a proud legacy through his grandchildren: Blake Stech, Josh Stech (Emi), and Shaylee Stokes (Dusty); and great-grandchildren: Carter Stech, James Stech, Liora Stech, and Emma Stech.

Thomas Suitts built more that homes-he built a legacy of strength, laughter, and love. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Celebration of Life will be at a later date.

Elwood Funeral Home

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lexington Clipper-Herald on May 3, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Suitts

Sponsored by Elwood Funeral Home.

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Thomas Suitts's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Suitts

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Elwood Funeral Home

302 Smith Ave P.O. Box 95, Elwood, NE 68937

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Suitts's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more