Name: Celebration of Life for Thomas Edward Danson Jr.
Start: 2016-08-11T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Toale Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory - Colonial Chapel - Sarasota

Danson, Jr., Thomas Edward
Dec. 17, 1933 - Jul. 31, 2016
Former State Representative Thomas E. Danson, Jr., 82, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side.
He leaves his wife of fifty-nine years, Sophia, his daughters Tia and Stephanie, his grandson Thomas E. Danson III., (Helen) and their children, Aidan, Asher, and Luna. He was predeceased by his son George Thomas Danson.
Tom was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, and loved to tell people he was a native Floridian and "proud of it." He graduated from the University of Florida where he met his future wife, Sophia, and became an avid Gator fan.
In addition to his over 50 years in the insurance business, he enjoyed over nineteen in sales and marketing with insurance carriers including The Hartford Insurance Group. He served on many local and state boards and in 1993 was awarded the Chairman's Award for Excellence by the Florida Chamber of Commerce. He was President of the Downtown Rotary Club, a board member of Goodwill Industries, and was involved in many other civic organizations. He always told us that his greatest accomplishment was loving his family.
Tom served four terms in the Florida House of Representatives, representing Sarasota and parts of Manatee County. He was named "Legislator of the Year" by several groups and was awarded the Allen Morris Award as "Most Effective in Debate" as voted by his colleagues in the House. In honor of his legislative service, the state flag will be flown at half-mast over the Capitol during his Celebration of Life.
How fortunate we have been to love and be loved by this man. He never failed to have a smile, a firm handshake, or a kind word for everyone – the eternal optimist who loved people, and never met a stranger. He was always ready to lend a hand when he saw the need. He made the world a better place simply by being in it.
"Rest well my love, you've done it well."
There will be a Celebration of Life service on Thursday, August 11, at 4:00 PM at Toale Brothers Colonial Chapel, 40 Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL. Reception to follow at The Hyatt Boathouse.
In lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes may donate in his memory to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238
Please share your memories of Tom with us at: toalebrothers.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald Tribune on Aug. 7, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Danson

Sponsored by Toale Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory - Colonial Chapel - Sarasota.

8 Entries

Stamatia

August 1, 2025

9 years I can't believe we've made it this long without you and your wit and smile and comfort and security we miss you terribly dad just know we talked to you everyday whether you like it or not hahaha like I said I hope you're hanging out with Mom for sure you too were attached to the hip with pure love you were mom's person and mom was your person

Christine McRoyan-Gruters

December 6, 2019

So deeply sadden to see this, and now know Tom has been hanging out in Heaven with my parents and many others for 3 years. Please receive my deepest sympathies on his passing, I had no clue at the time. Time passes but his memory lives on in all of his family, and he was an amazing man, and friend to my family. Blessings to all during this holiday season. I apologize for not seeing this sooner, I bet Tom, KK, Angelo and many others are enjoying their times together again. God bless you all xoxo

Stamatia Danson

June 22, 2018

Almost 2 years later and we still miss you terribly dad but by now you've got everybody sitting around listen to your stories with a big smile on your face

August 15, 2016

Such a wonderful man here in Sarasota. We are so sorry for you Sophia, and Tia and Stephanie. Tom fought so hard on his cancer, and in many ways now, it is better he has to fight no longer. You are such a wonderful family and such a cute dog he always walked. Our best thoughts to you all

Lindsay and Philip and Alice Bucknell

PHILLIP & JOAN JONES

August 11, 2016

You will be missed in the neighborhood. We still remember all the times we
would see you walking Chloe around the circle. RIP Tom

Margi Baskerville Nanney

August 8, 2016

I am deeply saddened by Tom's passing. We go back a long way...I had the pleasure of being their children's babysitter way back in the day. I remember my Mom dropping me off or Tom coming to get me to stay at their home while he took Sophia, the love of his life...out for a night on the town...I think I was in 10th grade at Sarasota High then. Sophia and Tom are such special people and their children, too. I will always remember Tom by his effervescent personality, great sense of humor, constant smile and "go for it" attitude. You will be missed Tom...you did so much for your community but your family has always been first in your heart. You are first in ours. We will miss you on this earth but know God has something special in store for us once we leave here. Lots of love to the family. Margi

Diane Brown

August 8, 2016

My sincere condolences to Tom's family, this is a perfect picture of his smile and his attitude in life. He will be missed by many friends in addition to his family. I am grateful to have been called a friend. God bless you all.

Michael Radell

August 7, 2016

Sincere condolences to Sophia and Family on Tom's passing. I'm glad I got to know Tom and your family over the years.

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