Thomas P. Pease

Tom Pease, 90, died peacefully on July 10, 2015. He was a lion of a man. He lived an exemplary life as a parent, spouse, devout Catholic, friend and businessperson. Tom graduated from Washburn High in Minneapolis where he was a miler in track. In WWII he was a paratrooper and fought the Battle of the Bulge. He was shot twice narrowly escaping with his life. Tom received The Distinguished Service Medal, two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. He was a founding member of the Greatest Generation and lived a heroic life for his family. He was a tough man, humble before God, and a rock for his children. His personality was marked with warmth and kindness. He married Josephine Noonan of North Dakota and they raised eight children. He closed his watch makers business to do sales work for IBM in Madison and became one of their best, once fourth in the country. He was promoted to his own IBM office in Chattanooga. He and his son became the first in IBM history to attain the Golden Circle together, IBM’s highest sales award. Tom was an athletic director of a father and loved a good time. He introduced his children to many outdoor sports. He once made an ice skating rink in the side yard. He was a member of a curling team and bowling team and enjoyed recreating on the water. Tom loved working for IBM, cherished IBM buddies and jawing with them was a favorite activity. Watching the Packers came first, however. Tom raised his kids demanding respect, especially for their mother, giving room to experiment but requiring discipline. He had his family in church every Sunday and they had to be neatly dressed. All graduated from Catholic schools. He liked volunteering for building committees and cooking for fundraisers. He gathered his family in the evenings to pray the rosary. Tragedy struck at 57 when his wife Jo died. Tom married Jean whom he was married to until death. He retired from IBM at 58 in Knoxville and moved to Colorado Springs where he served Alzheimer patients, did fundraising, and served on his homeowners association. He was a communicant at St. Paul Church. He leaves a brother, sister, eight children, nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. “I fought the good fight. I finished the race. I have kept the faith. And so I await the crown which the Lord, the Righteous Judge will award me.” Memorials to befreerevolution.org. Visitation is Sunday July 19, 2015 4:30 P.M-6:30 P.M. at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel 6200 Kingston Pike. A Funeral Mass will be prayed at All Saints Catholic 620 North Cedar Bluff road Monday July 20, 2015 at 10:30 A.M. The interment will follow the service at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Knoxville. Please visit www.rosemortuary.com to leave condolences.

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Thomas P. Pease

November 12, 1924 - July 10, 2015