Thomas Allen Webber

In Loving Memory of Thomas Allen Webber September 12, 1941 – April 19, 2025 A light went out on April 19, 2025, as our beloved father and grandfather, Thomas Webber, passed away peacefully at the age of 83. His daughter and son-in-law were by his side, and Amazing Grace played in the background—a moment of grace and love that gently marked his passing. There is so much to say about the man he was—one of the kindest, most intelligent, and compassionate people we have ever known. He had an insatiable curiosity about the world and, most importantly, an unwavering capacity for love. Born in Michigan to Wallace and Thelma Webber, Tom studied journalism at the University of Michigan, where he found joy in sports reporting and thoughtful conversation—passions that would remain central to his life. After graduating in 1963, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Colorado, where he met Deborah “Dee” Anderson. They married on December 23, 1964, beginning a devoted partnership that lasted 57 years and brought four children: Reid, Scott, Tommy, and Terri. In 1966, Tom began his professional career at a government agency and later joined the Central Intelligence Agency’s Operations Directorate. His expertise in agricultural analysis during the Cold War helped shape U.S. policy around Soviet food production. During the 1970s, he traveled across the American Midwest, meeting with farmers to support food assistance efforts in the USSR—work that reflected his lifelong blend of intellect, service, and humility. Through the years, Tom built more than a career—he built a life full of connection, imagination, and care. One of his most beloved projects was the construction of a family baseball field in Iowa, a place that became the backdrop for countless memories and is still alive in the stories of his children and grandchildren. Game nights were another treasured tradition—filled with laughter, a bit of competition, and his signature warmth. Even in recent years, he remained nearly unbeatable in fantasy sports, a nod to his early days as a sports reporter. Tom retired in 1993 and moved with Dee to Sarasota, Florida, where they founded the Sarasota Photo Center. Together, they documented the lives and celebrations of their community through thousands of photographs—especially local high school sports—combining his love of family, storytelling, and service. He was a dedicated volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, serving as a project lead and rehabbing homes three days a week for over a decade. He never had a harsh word for anyone and lived by example—teaching us to be free of judgment, full of compassion, engaged with the world, and guided always by love. Since moving to Sarasota, Thomas had been a teacher and active member at Church of the Palms Presbyterian. At the time of his passing, he was pursuing a certificate in Pastoral Education through the University of Dubuque and preparing to move into a nearby retirement village to continue deepening his faith and ministry. One story that captures his spirit happened shortly after 9/11. As many turned toward fear and division, Tom led a standing-room-only class on Islam at his church—choosing to respond not with anger, but with love and understanding. That was who he was. In 1994, Tom underwent a liver transplant that blessed him with 31 more years of life. He made every moment count—offering calm, humor, and wisdom to all who knew him. His final months were challenging, but his spirit remained unshaken. A playlist of his favorite songs had been playing since the day before—filled with beloved folk songs by John Denver, Simon & Garfunkel, Peter, Paul and Mary, gospel favorites by Elvis, and University of Michigan fight songs. At the moment he passed, Amazing Grace was playing—a moment that felt like pure grace. Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Thelma; his brother, Glenn Webber; and his beloved wife, Deborah. He is survived by his children: Reid Webber and his wife Paola, Scott Webber and his wife Kathleen, Terri Tucker and her husband Tom, and Tommy Gibson; and by his grandchildren: Geoffrey, Stephen, and Devon. Each of us carries forward a part of him—his love, his stories, and his example. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 3, at 11:30 a.m. at Church of the Palms Presbyterian, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, Florida, followed by a reception at the church. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Church of the Palms or Habitat for Humanity Sarasota, two organizations close to his heart. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23 His light has not gone out. It shines on through the lives he built, the family he loved, and the community he helped shape.

Thomas Allen Webber

September 12, 1941 - April 19, 2025