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PFC Thomas A. Webster
October 26, 1963 - July 10, 2015 Each and every one of my Fallen Heroes is special; however Tom is even more so. He is my son-in-law. Tom was married to our daughter Mary. They had two children, Whitley and Dalton, and were living happily in Gaylord, Minnesota, when intense sadness struck. Our daughter became ill suddenly from an attack of sepsis on the morning of March 29, 1998. She died that same night. She was 32 years old and the children were six and four. Tom and Mary had been married for eight years. Words cannot describe our sadness and shock. And now Tom's and the children's lives would change forever. And now I will tell you about this son-in-law or ours. Thomas Allen Webster was born to Walter and Wanda Webster, and grew up on their farm in Gaylord, Minnesota. He was one of four children born into this wonderful family. I remember when Mary first met Tom's parents she called me and said, "Oh Mom, they're so nice, and his dad wears bib overalls just like a real grandpa!" The farm and the town of Gaylord were perfect for Tom. He was a football star in high school and he knew everyone in town. Following graduation he joined the Marines, after which he undertook further education, worked at a couple of jobs, and then met the love of his life, Mary Wiskow whom he wasted no time in marrying! After about four years into their marriage, and their two children had been born, Tom decided to pursue his dream of being a police officer. Upon graduation from the Police Academy Tom was hired by the City of Gaylord, his hometown. He was with the Gaylord Police Department for almost 20 years, retiring in 2013 to start up his own construction company. On July 10, 2015 after working out at the local health club, Tom was riding home on a bicycle when he was struck by a large truck. He and the bike were caught underneath. He was terribly hurt, but awake and coherent enough to direct the ambulance workers as they tried to free him. He was the president of the ambulance committee at the time. Tom died that day in the air as he was being flown to the hospital. Now our two grandchildren had lost their second parent. Again words are inadequate to describe the devastation. But the strength and character of Whitley and Dalton has been remarkable. Tom is a hero for many reasons: His service to our country as a Marine; his many years as a Police Officer; his rigorous volunteer work in the community which included football coach (on Dalton's team); and being President of the Gaylord Ambulance Committee. But most of all he is a Hero for raising two awesome children without the partnership of his true love ...... his wife. He always missed Mary so much and we can only imagine their beautiful reunion as Tom ascended into Heaven. May God bless and keep them always. Portrait sponsored by: |