Tom Ditter

Tom Ditter

Longview, TX - Thomas Alan Ditter was born September 3, 1982 in Fond du Lac, WI to Stephen D. and Lynn M. (Pagel) Ditter. He passed away on February 14th, in Longview, TX, at the age of 38.

Tom enjoyed a country childhood in Dotyville, WI alongside his older sister, Julie, and cousins, Andrew, Christopher, and Ryan where they played baseball, built sandbox farms, picked stones, baled hay, and had wrestling matches.

He attended Eden Elementary School and graduated in 2001 from Campbellsport High School where he was involved in many youth activities. In high school, he showcased his vocal talents as a member of the swing choir traveling in and out of state to perform. As an active member of Forest Hills 4-H Club Tom earned many awards at the Fond du Lac County Fair, actively participated in the annual Empire Threshing Association Thresheree, and shared his dad's passion as they restored antique tractors together. Tom loved working with cars of all kinds whether it was building his own demolition derby car as a class champion or completing and graduating from the Automotive Collision Repair Program of Fox Valley Technical College in 2003.

Tom loved outdoor activities; hunting in the fall and snowmobiling in the winter. Every year his family would venture "up north" to get more snowmobiling in. He even took trips with his parents to snowmobile and mountain climb out west, including travels to Yellowstone.

In 2006 his zest for life and readiness for adventure led Tom and his cousin, Ryan out of Wisconsin. Texas is where he met and married the love of his life in 2009. Tom and Shay resided outside of Henderson, Texas with their two sons, Griffin and Gatlin. Tom was very dependable and always ready to help in any way possible. He was well-liked by everyone and a hard worker with a good work ethic as manager of the OTR Division for LW Miller Transport in Kilgore, Texas. As a member of Good Hope Free Will Baptist Church, he served as Sunday School Teacher, Sound technician, Vacation Bible School Leader, and in any other area he was needed. He loved his family and enjoyed trips with Shay and their boys. He loved making up games in the car with them and always added his own touch of fun to their daily lives. Tom had truly embraced being a Texan. He enjoyed Texas country music, watching Wheel of Fortune and drinking Dr. Pepper.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clemens and Clara Ditter, Victor and Elaine Pagel, and brother-in-law, Judd Pool.

Tom knew the value of family and kept himself surrounded by the best. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 11 years, Shay (Pool) Ditter, sons Griffin and Gatlin, parents, Stephen D. and Lynn M. (Pagel) Ditter of Dotyville, WI, sister, Julie Ziegler, and husband Jeff of Fond du Lac, WI, In-laws, Malcolm & Kay Myers of Longview, Mack & Jackie Pool, brothers and sisters in-law, Jace & Janey Pool, Jacob Pool, all of Henderson and Dwayne & Sherri Kurecka of Austin. Tom loved and cherished his nieces and nephews Reghan, Kennedy, and Eoghan Ziegler, Tyler, Tanner and Tugger Pool, Ben and Haley Kurecka and Josie Pool and great-nephew, Maverick Pool. Tom also left behind his godparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Ditter will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 22, 2021, in the chapel at Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home with Pastor Dail Andrews and Pastor David Rudd officiating. Interment will follow at New Prospect Cemetery under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, February 21, at the funeral home. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, masks or face coverings are strongly recommended, however not required, for the health and safety of all those in attendance for a visitation or service.

Pallbearers will be Jace Pool, Josh Pool, Dwayne Kurecka, Chris Patin, Ryan Ditter, Robert Singer, Marc Green, Brian Dignan, and Jeff Ziegler. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of his young adult Sunday school class, brother-in-law, Jake Pool; nephew, Tanner Pool; cousins Luke Green and Matti Bridges.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to Good Hope Free Will Baptist Church at P.O. Box 2012, Henderson, Texas 75653, and/or The Well online at https://mywellradio.com/

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at crawfordacrim.com.