Thomas C. Hosea

Tom was born and raised in Denver, where he attended Bear Creek schools from first grade through high school. A naturally gifted athlete, he excelled as a multi-sport competitor, particularly in basketball and football.

He graduated from Fort Lewis College in 1967 and returned to Denver with his new bride, Judi Epperson, beginning a partnership that would span nearly five decades. Their relationship was deep, genuine, and rooted in a shared love of the Rocky Mountains. Their son, Jeff, was born in Denver in 1970, followed by identical twin daughters, Kristy and Kathy, in Pittsburgh in 1972. Over the next 18 years, the family of five would make homes in seven additional cities across the country.

Tom built a long and accomplished career in hospitality, but more importantly, he built lasting relationships wherever he went. He spent 24 years with Westin Hotels and Resorts, working in nine properties and serving as General Manager in five. He helped open new hotels, lead teams through transitions, and shape guest experiences with high standards and thoughtful attention to detail. He was known for connecting with people at every level, from executive teams to hourly staff.

After Westin, Tom continued to pursue opportunities to lead and build, serving as Vice President of Resort Operations for Callaway Gardens in Georgia, consulting with Universal Studios in Orlando, and later becoming the opening General Manager for Embassy Suites in Lexington, Kentucky. Though not always planned, he embraced each chapter fully.

Never one to sit still for long, Tom later became President of Operations for Ship and Shore, a tour and travel company in Florida. He and Judi eventually returned to Denver to be closer to family, where he “retired”—briefly—before building and operating the ProShred document destruction franchise until its sale in 2010. His work ethic and commitment to excellence carried through every chapter of his career.

Beyond his professional life, Tom was deeply engaged in his communities and passions. He was active in hotel associations, chambers of commerce, and convention bureaus, and was a dedicated member of the National Corvette Restoration Society for more than 30 years, achieving Master Level Judge. He was also a founding and lifetime member of the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. His love for his 1962 red Corvette was rivaled only by his love for Judi, his lifelong copilot.

Tom valued history, service, and faith. He was a charter member of the National WWII Museum in New Orleans and a longtime member of Columbine United Church.

Above all, Tom was devoted to his family. He was a deeply loving and a dedicated father, always proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Some of the most cherished memories were made on family roadtrips, where his sense of adventure and love of nature and National Parks created lasting memories. He especially treasured holidays spent in Denver surrounded by extended family, bringing everyone together with warmth, laughter, and tradition.

He is survived by his children, Jeff, Kristy, and Kathy; his eight grandchildren, Emily, Sierra, Karley, Andrew, Jacob, Abagail, Samantha, and Rachel; and his two great-grandchildren, Audrey and Ryan. His legacy lives on through them—in his work ethic, his storytelling, and his love of the family road trip.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Denver Hospice in Tom’s name.