Thomas Vick Core Sr., age 90, peacefully passed away at home on Tuesday, June 7th, 2022. He was born in Homestead, FL. on September 6th, 1931, the son of Kelley Neil Core and Eloise Esther Vick Core.
Tom graduated from Redlands High School in 1949. He spent his working life in service to the country. His first career was in the United States Air Force where he first served at Elmendorf AFB. While at Elmendorf he was a Flight Engineer on the C47. He was then stationed at K.I. Sawyer AFB and later McGuire AFB before spending the last years of his enlistment at Charleston AFB in South Carolina. He was a Flight Engineer on the C-141 and then the C-5A. Tom attained the rank of Master Sargent soon after returning from Vietnam from which he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross to add to his Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and other commendations. Tom retired from the Air Force in 1974.
His second career was as a carrier in the United States Postal Service from which he retired in 1996. He was also an active member of the VFW for many years serving as Commander of post 4287 and as District 18 Commander.
Growing up in a farming family and marrying into a farming family he maintained a lifelong love of the farm life. He always planted a garden wherever he lived and enjoyed sharing the bounty with family and friends.
He is survived by his first wife, Eunice Rae Kentzel Core, his sister Edith JoAnn Core McMillan and his brother Robert Kelley Core. Son Thomas Vick Core Jr, daughter Valerie Rae Core Durden, son Dale Kentzel Core, step daughter Tori Kadner and step son Kevin Koskela. Grand daughters Marissa Danielle Core Merritt, Ashley Lauren Durden Jaeschke, and Jenna Leigh Core. Grand sons Cole Whitfield Durden and Thomas Vick Core III. Great Grand sons Ryder Robert Merritt, Rokzen Jase Merritt, Rett Percy Merritt, Jesse Ronald Moss, Henry Loren Jaeschke and Bryson Cole Durden. Great Grand daughter Eloise Anne Jaeschke.
He is preceded in death by his brother Wilfred Harley Core and his second wife Sharon Nancy Core.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 7, 2022 from 10:00am to 11:00pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions 895 S Goldenrod Road Orlando, FL 32822
Service will be Thursday, July 7, 2022 at 11:00am at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions 895 S Goldenrod Road Orlando, FL 32822