Thomas J. SPINKS

SPINKS, Thomas J. It is with great sadness, but with deep faith, that we announce the passing of Thomas J. Spinks, age 72, of Keene, NH, on January 12, 2026, after a brief illness.

Tom was born in Brighton, MA, on May 18, 1953, to William H. Spinks and Catherine (Lardner) Spinks. He graduated from Catholic Memorial High School, Boston and received a BS with Honors from Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas, where he grew spiritually and developed leadership and preaching skills that he displayed as Pastor of the Church of Christ in Brunswick, Maine. Later, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee and worked for the medical school at Vanderbilt University, doing medical research for doctors. There, he further developed his love of learning and applied research as evidenced by his extensive knowledge of prescription drugs, which he often shared during his late night telephone calls to his brothers.

An accident in his teen years resulted in some ongoing mental health issues that Tom addressed. He later offered help to others. He was selected by the State of New Hampshire to be an advocate and spokesperson to reduce the stigma of mental illness.

Tom loved writing about historical events, enjoyed skating and the Boston Bruins, possessed an extensive knowledge of Rock and Roll music, played softball into his sixties and never stopped learning. As a member of the West End Church of Christ, Keene, NH, he was a guest preacher who inspired others and taught Bible classes. Tom had a laugh that was infectious and endearing. His partner, Karen, reminds us that he could talk at length without taking a breath.

Tom is survived by his partner, Karen Marshall of Keene, NH; his brother, William M. Spinks and his wife, Kathleen Spinks of Milton, MA; and his brother, John L. Spinks and his wife, Sandra Spinks of Palm Springs, CA. He is also survived by his nephew, Matthew Spinks and his wife, Liza Garcia; and their daughter, Lucia of Milton, MA; his nephew, Brian Spinks of Camden, ME; his niece, Joanna Spinks and her husband, Dylan Purington of Warren and Islesboro, ME; and his niece, Alexandra Spinks Jung and her husband, Jae Jung; and their sons, Asher and Dante of Los Angeles, CA. Tom also leaves his special cousin, Sister Mary Clare Doherty of the Carmelites of Boston; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Tom's death leaves a hole in our collective hearts, but we know that now he remains in God's hands.