Thomas S Lightfoot

Thomas S. Lightfoot, a cherished husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Kissimmee, Florida. Born on March 9, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, Thomas lived a life of dedication, joy, and love, leaving behind a legacy that will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Raised by his parents, Sally and Jonathan W. Lightfoot Sr., and later his beloved stepmother, Rosa Heard, Thomas grew up with a strong sense of family and community. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Jonathan Jr. and Arnold Eugene, and stepmother Rosa, all of whom he held close to his heart. On September 3, 1955, Thomas married the love of his life, Maude E. Stephens, in Chicago. Their union spanned 71 beautiful years, marked by love, laughter, and the raising of their two devoted daughters, Karen Lynn and Karla Jeanette, who, along with her husband Jeffrey, survive him and carry on his memory. Thomas served his country with honor in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1958, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. His service took him to Korea, where he honed skills that would later become cherished hobbies, such as building and flying scale model radio-controlled airplanes. Following his military service, Thomas pursued a career in education, teaching Mathematics at Tennyson Upper Grade Center in the Chicago Public Schools for two and a half years. He often recounted these years as some of the happiest of his life, inspiring young minds before moving on to Dental School at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Thomas led an active life as a member of both the Frogs and Midwesterners Social Clubs and enjoyed participating in “Fly-Ins” with the Chicago Model Masters and the Kissimmee Osceola Flyers. His passion for tennis and even the occasional fishing trip added joy to his days, as did his remarkable ability to find humor and positivity, always seeing the silver lining in any cloud. Those who knew Thomas will remember his quick wit, warm smile, and tender heart. His gentle nature and unwavering love touched many, and his absence will be deeply felt by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Thomas's memory, honoring a life lived with grace, humor, and boundless affection for those around him.