Thomas Hentz

Thomas Lynn Hentz, age 62, passed away suddenly at his home in Maitland, Fla., on Monday, July 10, 2017.

He was born to John and Dolores Hentz on Feb. 21, 1955, in Mount Ayr, Iowa. The Hentz family moved to Hinsdale, Mont., when Tom was young. He participated and excelled in many extracurricular activities as a student, graduating in 1973 after distinguishing himself as the school record holder in the Triple Jump, a title he held for many years as an alumnus.

He continued his education, studying marine biology at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. He also worked in construction with his father for several summers in Iowa, and found time to solo as a pilot. Love of water drew Tom to Florida, where he settled in the Orlando area and began his career as an electrical contractor for Tri-City Electric. He met Cherie Downing at her sister Diane's wedding; Tom and Cherie fell in love and married in 1997, dedicating their shared lives and marriage to serving God and family.

Tom was a good and faithful man. At age 19, he accepted the calling to priest. Serving the Community of Christ Church, he later achieved high priest, and acted as a spiritual mentor to the Hentz family. He cherished making memories with his relatives. He was a talented cook and shared his musical talents as both a Bach Choir vocalist and a guitarist with his father's jam band when in his beloved Montana. He was also a craftsman, recently expanding his skill set by crafting hand-carved canoes. He believed one of his greatest accomplishments, though, was being a father to his son, Ryan.

He was adored by all he met in life. He possessed uncommon paternal warmth and wisdom, impacting all who loved him.

Survivors include his adoring wife, Cherie; a son, Ryan Hentz; his father, John Hentz and his wife, Veda; his mother, Dolores Olig and her husband, Paul; two brothers, Ken Hentz and his wife, Chellie, and Joe Hentz; two sisters, Patty Dull and her husband, Paul, and Sandra Carlile and her husband, Dana; four step-siblings, Tammy Dunn, Rick Dunn and his wife, Jamie, Mike Helmey and his wife, Lori and Cindy Keener and her husband, Gary; and numerous nieces, nephews, great- nieces and nephews that he adored.

A celebration of Tom's life was held on Friday, July 22, at 10 a.m. at the College Park United Methodist Church, 644 W. Princeton St., Orlando, Fla.

The family would ask that donations be made to Deerhaven Campground, located in the Ocala National Forest. The 70-acre campground is a not-for-profit property owned and operated by the Florida Mission Center. In memory of Tom Hentz: Deerhaven Campground, PO Box 196262, Winter Springs, FL 32719-6262.