With his wife by his side, Thomas O. Rexrode died suddenly on Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 at his home in Governor’s Land in Williamsburg.
Mr. Rexrode graduated high school in Centreville, Mich. and graduated with a degree in Mortuary Science in 1964 from Wayne State University. He later completed a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
For 27 years he served his country with honor as a U.S. Army officer and retired as Lieutenant Colonel. He served in both the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War, receiving two Bronze Stars and a Legion of Merit. During those years he was also stationed in Germany, Saudi Arabia and stateside.
After retiring from the Army, he served as the Director of the National Foundation for Mortuary Care and assisted in the aftermath of many disasters, including the Oklahoma City bombing. He then spent 10 years as a real estate agent in Williamsburg.
Mr. Rexrode was born June 29, 1943 in Detroit, Mich., the son of James and Ona Rexrode. He is survived by his wife, Susan; children, Stephanie (Christopher) Polum of Schoolcraft, Mich., Cindy Harper of Franklin, Tenn., Joseph (Kathryn) Rexrode of Okemos, Mich., Matthew (Lynn) Craner of Vienna and Tricia (Christopher) Villamil of Woodbridge; 12 grandchildren; brothers, James R. (Betty) Rexrode of Houston, Texas and Robert W. (Judy) Rexrode of Annandale.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, Va., 23188. A memorial service will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013, at 10 a.m., at Nelsen Funeral Home. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Virginia’s Wounded Warrior Program, 900 East Main Street, Ground Floor, Richmond, Va., 23219.
Online condolences may be offered at www.nelsencares.com.
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