THOMAS CHARLES HETFIELD, 69, of Milton, Fla., passed away suddenly on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015, at his home. Thomas was originally from Fort Wayne. Thomas served in the Air Force Inter-national Air Guard. He worked for over 25 years at NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Fla., in the Duplicating and Engraving Department. He made many friends there, including meeting his loving wife, Maxine. Thomas attended and was a member of Eternal Trinity Lutheran Church, in Milton, Fla. He thoroughly enjoyed and was an avid player of billiards, dominoes, and playing cards; but most of all, Thomas was a man of great faith. Showing Christ like love with compassion, embracing everyone with a smile and a non-judgmental heart; for this, he will be greatly missed, but will live long in the memories of those who cherished him. Thomas leaves to mourn his absence with fond and loving memories, his beloved wife, Maxine Hetfield; stepson, Christopher Davis of Milton, Fla.; loving mother, Virginia Hetfield of Fort Wayne; dear sister, Jane Hoover of Fort Wayne; a niece, Lisa Henschen of Fort Wayne; and a nephew, Lucas Hoover of Fort Wayne. He also leaves behind an extended family of countless friends, as he touched the lives of many people with his love and contagious laughter. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Hetfield; and one brother, John Hetfield. Memorial service is 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015, at Eternal Trinity Lutheran Church, 6076 Old Bagdad Highway, Milton, Fla. Arrangements by Lewis Funeral Home, Milton, Fla. Inurnment will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery, onboard Pensacola Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla. Flowers, in memory of Thomas, may be sent to 4477 Edgewood Drive, Milton, FL 32583. Condolences may be submitted online at www.lewisfuneralhomes.net/book-of-memories/2224364/Hetfield-Thomas/index.php - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/fortwayne/obituary.aspx?n=thomas-charles-hetfield&pid=175657732&fhid=6147#sthash.iwkzwGE3.dpuf

Thanks to Jenny Hammerstein Sorg for reporting the loss of our Classmate Tom.