Thomas "Tom" Gene Forler

Thomas “Tom” Forler departed this life on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Betty Forler; and his beloved brother, Daniel.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, June. Joining their mother in grief are his children, Heather Forler, David (Dlayni) Forler, Danielle [Scott] Roberts, Amber Forler, Jonathon Forler and Sarah (Roy) Sullivan; his grandchildren, Caitlin [Josh] Thibodeaux, Caleb Forler, Joshua Forler, Alison Roberts, Brooklyn Roberts, Madison Roberts, River Byrd; and his great-grandchild, Georgia Thibodeaux join their parents in remembering him in love. Tom is survived by his brother, Mike Miller; and sister, Cindy Fangour.

Tom grew up in the pacific northwest in Seattle, where his father showed him the love for the outdoors, being on the water, and travel that he would eventually pass on to his children and grandchildren. At the age of 22, he met and married his lifelong love, June. Together they spent the next fifty years of love in adventures, good times, and challenging times. They raised six children in Jackson, MS, enjoyed seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. Tom was a generous soul who considered it an honor to help family, friends, and often complete strangers whenever possible. His love of family was undeniable to any who knew him. Teaching his children to travel, to respect nature and quiet places was where he found extraordinary joy. There was always laughter, and frequently a practical joke being played. His gifts were always thoughtful. He thought each child needed an animal to love, and leaves behind his favorite dog, Delta. He was a faithful husband, and terrible at fashion. One of his favorite things was to bring family and friends together to cook, enjoy each other's company, and play a vigorous game of uno.

Tom enlisted in the Navy, traveling to Whidby Island, California, Florida, and the Mediterranean. After a naval career as a navy corpsman, Tom was drawn to a career in healthcare as a nurse. His heart of service and hospitality felt an immediate affinity for southern hospitality, and cuisine. This led him to complete nursing school in Mississippi and spend most of his life there. He spent the last 25 years of his nursing career serving other Veterans at the VA Hospital in Jackson, MS.  

Tom believed his family was the greatest gift and will be remembered as a man who loved them with all his heart.

Psalm 127: 3-5

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from Him.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.

 Blessed in the man whose quiver is full of them.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those that feel lead to do so, to donate in his name to the following:

Wounded Warrior Project

https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org

Operation BBQ Relief

https://operationbbqrelief.org

A memorial service will be held on at 1:00 pm on March 15, 2024 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Ocean Springs, MS. Friends may visit one hour prior. Interment of ashes will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery. On March 16^th, his family and close friends will join to share memories in a celebration of life.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Thomas “Tom” Forler.