Thomas Howard Dietz

December 16, 1945 - July 16, 2026

Thomas Howard Dietz-known to most as Tom and, most importantly to us, as Dad-passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 11:11 p.m., surrounded by his family. He was 80 years old.

Tom left this world four years and one day after the passing of his beloved wife, Susan. The time of his passing will forever hold special meaning for his family. John 11:11 reminds us that, through faith, death is not the end.

Tom was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on December 16, 1945, to Raymond and June Dietz. He grew up in a classic Midwestern neighborhood filled with large trees, screened-in porches, good friends, and children who played outside until it was time to come home. He carried those strong Midwestern values throughout his life.

His career took him and his family to several places, including Fargo, North Dakota, San Antonio, Texas, and eventually St. Louis, Missouri, where the family settled in 1976.

Tom spent most of his working life in sales. He began in the shoe business, working his way from selling shoes to managing stores and eventually overseeing regions during a career of more than 30 years. After retiring from the shoe industry, he discovered a second career in automobile sales, where his personality and ability to connect with people made him a natural. He worked at Glendale Chrysler and later at Suntrup Ford, continuing to sell cars well into his seventies.

To Tom, sales was never simply about selling something. It was about people. He asked questions, listened, found common ground, and made others feel comfortable. Former coworkers remember him as a caring, fair, and positive boss and colleague who made work more enjoyable. His lessons about relationships, value, and treating people well became part of the legacy he passed on to his sons.

Tom and Susan shared more than 30 years of marriage. They traveled, entertained friends and family, worked together in the yard, and enjoyed simply being in each other's company.

Tom's devotion to Susan was perhaps one of the greatest examples of his love, loyalty, and character. As Alzheimer's gradually took more from her, Tom stood faithfully by her side and became her devoted caregiver. He cared for her at home for as long as he was physically able, determined to preserve her comfort, dignity, and familiar surroundings.

His family often said he was a saint during those difficult years. Only when her needs became greater than he could safely manage did he make the heartbreaking decision to seek additional care. Because of his dedication, Susan was able to remain in the home she loved for as long as humanly possible.

Tom never knew a stranger. Whether he was meeting someone at a restaurant, sitting at a neighborhood pub, walking through Ocean Beach, or talking with a salesperson, server, or stranger on the street, he wanted to know their name and their story. He was also quick to tell people when they were doing a good job-and occasionally attempted to guess a waitress's age, with varying degrees of success.

He was funny, witty, caring, positive, and frequently corny. Tom was often the life of the party, and his infectious attitude made people want to be around him. He marched to the beat of his own drum and was never afraid to be completely himself.

Tom's humor remained with him even during serious moments. When the paramedics arrived to take him to the hospital, they asked his name. Without missing a beat, he told them, "Tom the Bomb." It was a small moment that perfectly captured the wit, personality, and positive spirit he carried throughout his life.

When music started playing, Tom might perform his famous dance move. His family described it as looking like someone steering a riding lawn mower or driving a tractor. It was uniquely Tom, and it never failed to make everyone laugh.

Sports were one of Tom's greatest passions. He loved football, baseball, hockey, golf, bowling, and softball. His favorite teams included the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, Detroit Lions, and Detroit Tigers.

Tom was also an athlete himself. He bowled competitively and played on a company softball team. He once pitched a no-hitter in slow-pitch softball-an accomplishment that reportedly earned him a mention in Sports Illustrated's "For the Record" section.

As a father, Tom rarely missed a game or practice. Even when his sons had multiple games in one day, he was there. He supported their interests, taught them right from wrong, and raised them with strong morals, independence, faith, and an understanding of the value of hard work.

Tom showed his love in many ways, but one of the most meaningful was how often he told his sons that he was proud of them. Those words will remain with them forever.

His faith was an important part of his life. He raised his family in the Catholic Church, attended Holy Infant Catholic Church in Ballwin, and encouraged his children to keep their faith in God.

His outlook was simple: Things happen that cannot be changed, but you can pick yourself up, brush yourself off, maintain a good attitude, and remember that tomorrow is a new day.

Tom did not need much to be happy. Give him family, friends, a backyard barbecue, a ballgame, some good music, a deck to sit on, and perhaps a cold Rolling Rock or a glass of red wine, and life was pretty good.

He loved fishing, including trips to Florida and deep-sea fishing adventures. He enjoyed playing cards, planting flowers, working in the yard, happy hour, watching The Price Is Right, listening to music, and sharing stories with lifelong friends.

Ocean Beach in San Diego held a special place in his heart. He loved the weather, the beach, the neighborhood pubs, and walking along Dog Beach watching the pups. His family joked that, had he ever moved there permanently, he would have become the unofficial mayor because he seemed to know more people than the locals.

Tom especially loved dogs. Chase, Vivi, and his most recent companion, Blue-affectionately known as Bluey-brought him tremendous happiness. Even during his final hours, his concern for Blue remained. Among his last words were, "Make sure you feed Blue."

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and June Dietz, and his wife of more than 30 years, Susan Dietz.

He is survived by his sons, Scot Dietz, Mark Dietz, and Eric Promsey; his granddaughter, Rachel Moore; Bailey; his brother, David Dietz; his sister, Mary Williams; and a large circle of extended family and friends who will deeply miss him.

Tom's final days were filled with family, friends, laughter, stories, and love. Following a massive stroke, he passed peacefully and comfortably with the people he loved surrounding him. His family considers the opportunity to be with him, hold his hand, and share those final moments a precious gift.

When people remember Thomas Howard Dietz, his family hopes they remember the way he lived:

Keep the faith.
The glass is always half full.
Do right by others.
Tomorrow is a new day.
And don't worry about a thing-everything is going to be all right.

We will miss his friendship, his laughter, his encouragement, his stories, his dancing, and hearing him say how proud he was of us. There will always be a hole in our hearts, but there will also always be a smile when we think of Tom.

Celebration of Life

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Tom's life on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Schrader Funeral Home on Manchester Road in Ballwin, Missouri.

Tom would not have wanted a room filled with black clothing or a somber atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to dress casually. Shorts, Tommy Bahama shirts, Hawaiian shirts, and cheerful colors are welcomed.

Come comfortable, bring a favorite story, and help give Tom the big celebration he would have wanted.

Memorial Donations

In lieu of flowers, Tom would have appreciated donations being made in his memory to Country Acres Rescue, a local animal rescue organization.

"Donate to Country Acres Rescue" https:// share.google/vS0etTRpj32oOKWIx

Please include Tom's name with your donation so the gift may be recognized as being made in his memory.