THOMAS D. Albuquerque resident Thomas D. Detrow passed in peace while at his home on his 80th birthday, Tuesday morning, October 11, 2011. His family was at his side when he passed. Tom was born in Smithsburg, MD and was married 59 years to his sweetheart, Lois. They had three children, Dennis, Rodney and Tina Marie. He was known as "Buddy" growing up. Socially, Tom and Lois enjoyed many years of Square Dancing, snow skiing with their children and were avid boaters (and were very proud of their 1983 Cobalt!). During his 21 years of service in the Air Force, he served as an Electronics Technician and retired in 1970 as a Senior Master Sergeant. He continued his career serving 19 years as an Airways Facilities Technician in the Federal Aviation Administration. Not only was he a man that believed in serving his country, but Tom lived a sincere philanthropic life. He volunteered as a coach and manager in little league, as a member of Indian Guides, YMCA, as an Assistant Scout Master in Boy Scouts, and as a High School Booster Club President. He was a lay reader in his church and was an Elk. Next to being a loving husband and a dedicated father and grandfather, Tom felt his greatest accomplishment was his Masonic work. He was Master of Mesa Lodge #68 AF&AM Albuquerque in 1983, a member of the York Rite, the Scottish Rite, and was the Potentate of the Ballut Abyad Shrine of New Mexico in 1996. While in the Shrine he was a member of the Azayim Committee and Alb-a-kar. He was also a member of the Royal Order of Jesters. Tom was highly regarded for his ritual work in the various Masonic organizations. Tom is survived by his wife, Lois; son, Dennis and his wife, Sue; son, Rodney; daughter, Tina and her husband, James Trump; grandson, Thomas-James Trump; nephews, Scott Vaughn and his wife, Cindy and Steve Vaughn; his aunt, Lorraine Miller and many cousins. There will be a viewing on Friday, October 14, 2011, from 4 - 7:00 p.m., at French - University location. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011, 11:00 a.m., at the Ballut Abyad Shrine Center, 6600 Zuni SE, with a reception to follow. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE, following the reception. The family cannot express enough gratitude to Zia Hospice for the loving care they gave to Tom. Memorials may be made to the Ballut Abyad Transportation Fund, 6600 Zuni SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 or Zia Hospice, 4811 Hardware Drive, Ste. E-4, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Please visit our online guest book for Tom at: www.RememberTheirStory.com FRENCH 1111 University Blvd NE 505-843-6333
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