Surprenant, Thomas R.
11/26/1935 – 05/10/2019

Born November 26, 1935 in Mishawaka, IN, Thomas lived in various communities before settling in Colorado in 1952. He became a member of the Colorado Air National Guard in 1953 and served for 40 years with the 140th Fighter Wing which won the World Championship Gunsmoke in 1981. After retiring as a Master Sergeant from the Guard in 1994, Tom continued his commitment to his cherished aircrafts by volunteering on the Guard’s exhibit at the Wings Over the Rockies Museum.

Tom learned carpentry from his father, and shared those gifts with his church, family and numerous young Boy Scouts. He was a Scout master for 14 years, leading camping, pancake breakfasts, and numerous badge-earning adventures. He volunteered at the Rocky Mountain Philatelic Library for 20 years. There he found the comradery he missed from his years of service at Buckley.

In February 1966, Thomas met the love of his life at his brother’s wedding. Roseann Croteau stole his heart, and they married in December of that year. In their 52 years of marriage, Tom and Rose traveled the world together, touching 6 of the continents and dozens of countries. Together they had 4 children: Raymond, Theresa (Ron), Ann (Ron), and Robert. Those children blessed them with 13 grandchildren: Sabrina (Tim), Anna, Blake, Kylie, Mason, Megan, Maya, Carter, Emma, Tanya, Tallin, Nicole, Katelyn and 1 great-granddaughter: Sydney.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Hilaire Henry Surprenant and Marie Hillaert, as well as his brother Joseph Surprenant (Claudia-deceased). He is survived by his sisters Helen O’Donnell (James-deceased), and Lorraine Becker (Robert), as well as his wife, children, grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
If you would like to share photos or email information directly to the family, please email: surprenant.us.family@gmail.com