Thomas Enteman

On the afternoon of Thursday July 14, 2016, Thomas Enteman, following a valiant battle against cancer and surrounded by his beloved wife and daughters, passed from this life into the presence of His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Visitation with Tom's family will be on Sunday from 4-6 pm at Stewart Family Funeral Home, Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler, Tx. Memorial Service will be at 2 pm on Monday, also at the funeral home, officiated by Rev. Jim Wright, retired minister and Rev. Phil Auxier, Tom's nephew. Graveside services will be on Tuesday at 10:30 am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home in Shreveport, Louisiana, officiated by Rev. Auxier. The family will greet friends in Centuries lounge area following service at grave. (A webcast of Tom's memorial service on Monday will be available for viewing at the Stewart Funeral Home's website.) Tom was born on June 2, 1940 in East St. Louis, Illinois. Reared by his maternal grandparents, his life was marked by the strong influence of his grandfather, who died when Tom was only 11. After high school, Tom joined the Marines and proudly served. Though he returned to his civilian life, in his heart of hearts he was always A Marine, serving in Okinawa, and after, remaining a staunch patriot. He went on to graduate from Southern Illinois University with a master's degree in engineering. There he met Patricia Lemay, who would become his wife. Tom retired after 26 years from a career with General Motors in 1992. Beside proud years as a United State Marine and working for an American manufacturer, Tom's proudest achievement was his 3 children. Having experienced a difficult childhood, it was of utmost importance to him to be validly invested in their lives. He fostered their spiritual development by accompanying them to worship & activities at Brookwood Baptist Church. His children, along with many young, female, South Shreveport softball players of the 80s/90s, would testify to his positive influence in their lives as dad, coach, mentor, friend. Many young people from those years remain connected to the Enteman family today, remembering an always open door, warm hospitality, and good times. He and Pat were such a complimentary balance that friends of all ages sought their company, visiting & traveling with them across the years. As with their children, they gladly did the necessary work to maintain friendships. In more recent years Tom's grandchildren, Jordan and Ava, have been blessed to have their dearly loved grandfather as strong influence. His loss will be profoundly felt by them. Once again he became an active participant in their spiritual lives at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, Tx., where he faithfully worshipped , developed new friendships to include several fellow marines. He supported his grandchildren's endeavors, academically & sports-wise. All who new Tom well came to appreciate his sharp, straight-faced wit, ever ready to make folks smile. His analytical, engineer mind guided most of what he accomplished in this life. He was the proverbial planner. He was an avid reader, a passionate sport's fan, and a phenomenal friend. His absence here will be felt by many. Another marker in Tom's life was the loss of his and Pat's only son, Chad, in a car accident in 1991. Those close to Tom and Pat were acutely aware of their depth of grief over this untimely death and impressed beyond words at their honest & elegant handling as time passed. Those who precede Tom in death are his grandparents; his mother, Vera Baugh Enteman; and his son, Chad (no doubt, waiting at The Gate). Left to cherish good memories are his wife, Patricia Lemay Enteman; daughters, Krista Enteman Brock and Stefani Enteman; grandchildren Jordan, Ava, Aaron, and Randon; sister-in-law, Linda Lemay Auxier; brother-in-law, Carl Lemay; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends. Those wishing to make a memorial to Tom’s memory are invited to do so to The Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Tx. 75701 or to a charity of your choosing.

Thomas Enteman

June 2, 1940 - July 14, 2016