Thomas William Olmstead, age 83, passed away on November 7, 2019, at his home in Tempe, AZ. He was born on January 9, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio, the youngest son to Robert Paul Olmstead and Helen Louise Holzheimer. He attended Catholic schools in Cleveland until his family moved to Monrovia, California during his early high school years. He graduated from Monrovia High School in 1954. Tom served in the United States Army from 1958-1960 and was a very proud veteran.
In 1972 Tom moved to Phoenix, where he and some friends from high school started Concrete Coring Company. Forty-seven years later it is one of the largest cutting companies in the state. He loved his job and the people that he met. He was still happily working there up until his death.
In 1998 Tom was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in February 2000 his family was sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple for time and all eternity. He served in a variety of callings, but his very favorite was teaching the young children in Primary. He loved their innocence. Throughout the years he never lost sight of what was most important – his family and his faith. He was a kind, gentle, humble man and will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: Robert George Olmstead, Richard Thomas Olmstead, Richard David Olmstead, and Louise Marie Agos.
He is survived by his wife, Cassandra; his children, Robert (Holly Jordan) Olmstead, (Jerod) Kameron Bybee, Sean Olmstead, Christopher Olmstead; and one brother, James Paul Olmstead. He is also survived by his grandchildren, John Thomas (Tamzon Baysinger) Olmstead, Jeffrey (Caitlin Schow) Olmstead, (Emmanuel) Emilee Caro del Castillo, Justin (Emma Young) Olmstead, Jeremy (Kayla Harris) Olmstead, Jacob Olmstead, Olivia Olmstead, Elizabeth Bybee, Brandon Bybee, and Matthew Bybee; as well as 7 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Saturday, November 23, 2019, at 10:00 AM at the LDS Stake Center at 1111 E. Knox Road in Tempe, AZ 85284. There will be no viewing prior to the services, and a private burial will be held at a later date. Bunker’s Mortuary is handling the arrangements.
My thoughts and prayers are with Cass and the entire family during this time of sadness and loss. Hold on to your many memories of Tom. Remember his many special qualities as a husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. His memory will sustain you in the days ahead. He is no longer suffering and is instead at rest.
Tom was an amazing man! We will always remember his kind spirit and the love he showed our family, especially my husband as a new convert to the church. He and Cass welcomed Craig with open arms. Their love and kindness are always cherished. Thoughts and prayers for the Olmstead family.
Tom was such a wonderful and kind man, he took a scrawny little friend of his son’s and helped instill values that have molded me into the man I am today. I can never thank him and the Olmstead’s enough for allowing me to be a part of their extended family. The world is a better place for having been blessed by him and I will celebrate his life by trying to embody the shining example he set as a loving and caring father.