Thomas Arthur Deemer

Thomas Arthur Deemer, 84, of Miami, died Thursday morning, January 30, 2014, in Sebring, FL and "He's a captain in God's army now." He was born to the late Estelle and Benjamin Deemer on October 23, 1929, in Miami, FL. Tom was 16 years old in 1945 when he enlisted in the Marines. Discharged in 1946 after 10 months of service he returned to his home town of Miami, remained in the Navy reserves, finished high school and started studies at the University of Miami, where he was a nose guard on the varsity football team. In 1950 he was recalled to active duty service re-assigned to the Army, entering as a private. Within three months, he was promoted to corporal and months after that promoted to sergeant. Then he was selected for Officer Candidates School. Training at Fort Benning, he became Ranger qualified and attended leadership school. Assigned to the 82nd Airborne, he was shipped to Korea in 1951 as a second lieutenant, and then promoted to first lieutenant, becoming a captain and company commander. Returning to Miami in 1953, Tom joined the National Guard. Called up once more for active duty service in 1957, again "at the convenience of the government," he was sent to Fort Benning to train troops. That was not the end of Tom Deemer's contributions to his fellow soldiers. He became a minister after leaving the service. Settling in Highlands County at Buttonwood Bay Tom founded the church in that community. He also became the chaplain for the Vietnam Veterans of the Heartland and American Legion Post 74. Tom is survived by his siblings Nancy Libby and Sandra Deemer along with his three children: Patricia Evans, Pamela Faulkner and John Deemer. Also he is in God's hands with his first born son Thomas Arthur Deemer, Jr. who passed away on January 12, 1978. He was lovingly referred to as Papa Bear to his grandchildren; Meagan, Mitchell, Chris, Camden, Brendan and Deana. There will be a Military graveside service on Friday, February 7, 2014 at 10:30AM, at Florida National Cemetery in Sarasota, FL. In lieu flowers memorial donations should be made to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Arrangements entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home www.stephensonnelsonfh.com