Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Eagles Obituary
Simpsonville
Thomas E. Eagles, 71, husband of Karin Tran Eagles, went to be with the Lord, Friday, June 3, 2016.
Mr. Eagles was born in Buffalo, NY to the late Thomas Richard and Dorothy Schwab Eagles. In 1961, he became a Catholic Augustinian Monk. In 1963, he enlisted as a Hospice Corpsmen in the U.S. Navy. He was assigned to the 3rd Force Recon of the U.S.M.C, operated in South Vietnam. He flew over 221 combat medical evacuation missions with marine helicopter squadrants. He later served as the Senior Medical Department Rep. and Chief of the station at the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Buffalo, NY. In 1981, he was assigned as the Regimental Senior Chief of the 4th Marine at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. He was a member of St. Mary Magdalene's Parish of Simpsonville. His hobbies include woodworking, building working model live steam engins and associated railroad cars both freight and passenger in 7/8=1' scale.
Surviving, in addition to his wife are two sons, Kevin Eagles (Misty) and Patrick Eagles (Ryan) and three grandchildren, Trinity, Nathaniel, and Ian Eagles.
Visitation will be 7-9pm Tuesday at Fletcher Funeral Service.
Funeral Mass will be 10am Wednesday at St. Mary Magdalene Church.
Fletcher Funeral Service
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Eagles
Sponsored by Fletcher Funeral & Cremation Service - Fountain Inn.
Tony Alley
March 17, 2026
Semper Fi brother... Hope you are saving me a place in Sky One.
Got some corned beef cooking today, so I'm thinking about you.
Didn't find out that you passed until right before my last tour in Afghanistan.
Miss the days that we shared an office on Quantico.
Ed Reagle
May 31, 2024
Tommy,
When I was deploying the NMCI at MCB Quantico and I saw you at SYSCOMM one morning I couldn't believe my eyes I wish I could relive those minutes with you it was so great seeing you.
Ed Reagle
GySgt USMC retired
Ed Reagle
May 31, 2023
Tommy,
You are not forgotten ever you served your county proudly brother it is an honor to of served with you.
GySgt Reagle USMC retired
Kelly Woodring
February 3, 2022
I am just now reading these wonderful comments of DOC EAGLES and am saddened that I did not know him and how great of a MAN he was and will always be to all of his friends, family, and brothers! I am not ashamed to say my tears slowed my reading and learning about such a kind and caring man. I feel a loss inside I cannot explain. May his family, friends and the DOCs and others he helped and patched up know that six years after his passing he is still touching the lives of complete strangers. R.I.P. DOC EAGLES... YOU DID GOOD ! ! ! s/ HM2 Kelly Woodring, '65-'69.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Chuck Frampton CWO4 USN/Ret
February 3, 2022
I met Tom when we were in IDT School. He was in the class before me. We connected because out of the 2 classes there were only maybe 6 who had been FMF in RVN, and we grew up about 10 miles from each other. He was quite a character with a chest full of ribbons. Until I read this note I wasn't aware off his passing. He was a great guy.
George Rice HMCS (SW/FMF) Ret
February 2, 2022
No words can describe a life well lived. We look to the day believers will be reunited in God's Kingdom. Knew Master Chief through medical logistics at Ft Detrick.
ken harbert
August 14, 2021
We have lost a true American hero, I met Chief Eagles long ago while working on a PA veterans project he was incredible and the most humble person I have ever met
He was the most outstanding corpsman I ever met and am sorry he never became a PA he would have loved the profession. God now has one of the best care givers in the world. a True Lifesaver then and Caregiver always
Semper Fi Doc
Carey Leitch
April 20, 2020
It had been awhile since I had talked with Tom, so I decided to look him up so I could
call. I was saddened and ashamed that I did not know he had passed. He was a good
man, and will be missed. Just this week I had looked at a model locomotive he gave me before moving to South Carolina. My condolences to Karin, Kevin and Patrick. America and the world has lost a shining star. Tom, when the time comes, I pray i can join you up there so we can pick up where we left off. Fair winds and following seas my friend.
Robert Talbot Jr
August 12, 2019
I was saddened to hear that Tom had passed. I started a search for him a year or so ago to reconnect. I was stationed with Tom when he was an HM1 and I was an HM2 at the N&MCRC, Buffalo, NY, in 77 or so. I remember his love for trains and a dream of his was to have track laid at his home near Niagara Falls, NY and get an engine to run on it. Don't know if he ever did or not as I left there in 78 for Biomedical Repair School and later to OCS. He was a great friend.
I am humbled and honored to have been endorsed by you. I will ever display the character reference you wrote for me and always stay true to your legacy of service and humility. Fair winds and following seas. You are a Doc's Doc
David Vencil
May 31, 2019
The most honorable and humble Sailor and man I've ever had the honor of serving with. Thank you for all the advice you gave me at COMNAVMEDCOM. Rest in Peace
Ed Reagle
May 31, 2019
Tommy you are gone from your earthly presents but never will be forgotten. Semper Fi
David Vencil
April 24, 2019
I met and served with HMCM Eagles from Feb 1984 thru September 1985 while stationed at COMNAVMEDCOM, His demeanor, humility and constant encouragement while I was challenged to persevere and his endorsement of my deserving to become a SOT Corpsman is the highest honor I hold onto from my career. I was just showing that letter to my youngest son (30 yrs old) just two days ago. HMCM always made us (my peers and I) proud to be called "Doc" even though he was the best of the best. RIP HMCM. You will always be the measure of a Doc to me. David E. Vencil, HM1, SFIDC, USN/ret.
Boot Camp 1980
Robert Baker
August 26, 2017
this man was the best Corpsman and the best Senior Chief ( when I knew him ) in the United States Navy ,,,it was a pleasure to know and serve with him and after all these years I haven't forgot him ...Farewell my friend
Robert G. Baker Hn. Usn
1982
December 3, 2016
The passing of Tom Eagles is a loss for America. A legend in his own time he was an icon in the Navy Hospital Corpsman community. Humble to a fault and gifted with a great sense of humor, he was a mentor to many. All of us who worked with and knew him are better persons because of our relationships. I am proud to say we were friends. May he have clear skies, fair winds, and following seas.
HMCM/FMF Philip E. Bannan, USNR RET
David Gillis
November 19, 2016
In 1966-67 I served my first Naval Flight Surgeon assignment with HMM-164, a Marine medium helicopter squadron, which deployed 3 days later to Vietnam. There Thomas Eagles was a Navy corpsman. We worked closely together for months, flying medical evacuations and supporting our Marine aviators and support personnel. Tom also joined me weekly at my Vietnam village sick calls. As I recall he was evacuated after taking several rounds to the chest while loading casualties onto a Marine UH-34 helicopter in a "hot" zone.
A few months ago I did a Google search to local Tom and we had a great telephone conversation. I am saddened to the point of tear to learn he has passed away and America will have to continue without him. It is a great loss to all who knew him.
David B. Gillis MD PhD MPH, former Naval Flight Surgeon, Vietnam 1966-1867
Richard deTriquet
June 24, 2016
A compassionate and humble man, I will always be grateful for Tommy's mentorship and the frank advice he gave a wayward Marine Lieutenant early one Sunday morning at Camp Schwab. His personal example and the genuine concern he showed us all will never be forgotten. Thank you Tom.
Richard deTriquet
June 24, 2016
A strong yet humble man, I remain grateful for Tommy's mentorship and the frank advice he gave a young Marine Lieutenant early one Sunday morning at Camp Schwab, Okinawa. I'll never forget his personal example and the genuine concern he showed for his Marines and Sailors. Thank you Tom.
Linda Biles
June 22, 2016
God bless your family. RIP friend, Tom was a great man and always lending a hand. I'm so sorry for your loss. HMCS Linda Sprankle Biles Ret (IDT-1)
Tony Alley
June 14, 2016
Fair winds and following seas my old friend. I enjoyed our times together on Quantico and remember them fondly. You were a great friend and mentor and one of the finest men I have ever come to know. You inspired greatness in people, yet were one of the most humble. The world is a better place from your lasting influence. I can only hope to have that kind of impact when my days are done. Rest in peace Tom and put in a good word for me.
Dennis Von Radesky
June 11, 2016
RIP fellow Corpsman.
Michael Chance
June 10, 2016
Wishing you fair winds and following seas Tom. I'm grateful for the many years I knew you. I learned much from you.
Michael Chance HMCS(FMF), IDC, Ret
IDT(1)
John Bruneel
June 10, 2016
Tom and I first met in 1981 when he was the Regimental (Senior) Chief of the 4th Marines at Camp Schwab. At that time I was the Command Senior Chief of the 3rd Marine Division. We became friends. Later, in 1987, we were stationed together at Bethesda, MD.
Tom was a good friend over the years, but we lost touch after retirement.
Tom was kind and caring yet with a tiny bit of the rogue about him. I will miss him.
Karin, Kevin and Patrick . . the world is a better place because of Tom's presence. He was truly one of a kind. He will be missed.
I will pray for his soul and for all of you. God Bless!
John Bruneel
HMCM, USN, Ret.
carl weil
June 10, 2016
He was a caring and kind man I am proud to have known
Sincerely,
Carl Weil, LCP USMC
Director Wilderness Medicine Outfitters
Master Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine
Elizabeth , CO
Mike Galarneau
June 7, 2016
I am a better man for having known Tom. He set a very high bar and led by example.
Ed Reagle
June 6, 2016
My deepest sympathies to Tommy Eagles' family and friends. Doc Eagles was our Corpsman in RS Buffalo. Tommy was more than our Corpsman he was our Brother too. He would do anything for anybody no questions asked. Tommy to me you changed the world for many people. Fair Winds and Following Seas Semper Fi Doc.
Sharon Matke
June 6, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Sharon Matke
June 6, 2016
May he rest in peace. He was a good man.
STEPHEN ROSE
June 6, 2016
To the Eagles family may you find the strength from Him to make it through this trying time.
Stephen L. Rose HMC (RET)
IDT3 Class Mate
Douglas Lowe
June 6, 2016
We will miss our friend and mentor who has touched so many lives. I will always cherish the shadow box Tom made for my retirement because of the love and sweat he put into it (which is typical of the way he helped everyone). Fair Winds shipmate.
HMC(FMF) Doug Lowe, USN (Ret)
BMCM Nabb
June 6, 2016
Doc, you got point man this time- REST EASY MY FRIEND-- thanks for patching me up in 67 when I took the hit.
Charlie Henegar
June 5, 2016
RIP ole friend and ship mate.
Ronald Littlejohn
June 5, 2016
"Fair Winds and Following Seas," Shipmate. My condolences to the Eagles family.
HMCM Ron Littlejohn, USN (Ret)
Monica & Matt Felt
June 5, 2016
Our hearts are broken for this fine man to have passed too soon. He was an impressive soul who will be missed. Our deepest sympathy, from the Felt family
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Eagles's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Eagles
Jun
7
Visitation
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fletcher Funeral & Cremation Service - Fountain Inn1218 N. Main Street, Fountain Inn, SC 29644
Funeral services provided by:
Fletcher Funeral & Cremation Service - Fountain Inn1218 N. Main Street, Fountain Inn, SC 29644
People and places connected with Thomas
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Eagles's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
