Dr Tom K Pence

Dr Tom K Pence, passed away 10/15/2024 peacefully in his sleep. This marks the end of an extraordinary journey that began 84 years ago. He is survived by his wife Beverly of 28 years. 3 Children Shannon, Chris and Tania from his previous marriage to Sherian Hicks. 2 Stepsons Dan and Chris. 3 Grandchildren Ashley, Olive and Berkly. 6 Step grandchildren Isabelle, Danica, Amaya, Brianna, Karli and Aspen. 2 Great grandchildren Sawyer and Lily.

He was the first of 3 boys, Tom, Dick and Harry born to Raymond and Mae Pence. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Mae. Both of his brothers Dick and Harry. Grandparents Harley and Lilly, Howard and Pansy.

He was born in Wabash, Indiana in 1940. He grew up in Laketon, Indiana in a small grocery store with his parents, 2 brothers and his grandmother Pansy. He never missed a chance to tell someone where he was from. He was quite proud of it.

He was larger than life. He touched so many peoples lives, he made the world a better place. He loved an audience, entertaining, telling jokes, limericks, quips and pulling pranks. He loved to travel, we traveled to Hawaii, Fiji, Egypt, Caribbean, Mexico and the Mediterranean and many more places.

He went to High School in Laketon, College at Manchester University, medical school at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. He graduated in 1968. He went on to become a well known Anesthesiologist in Chicago and Colorado. He was an avid member and Past President of the American College of Anesthesiologists, also a member of the Colorado Springs Osteopathic Foundation. He received his Lifetime Membership Award this year from the AOCA.

He retired in 2002. He had done Anesthesia in every specialty and also specialized in pain management. Everyone loved working in Dr Pence's room, he always had the best music and just fun to work with. Never a dull moment around him.

After he retired he taught himself to weld and made many metal sculptures and furniture. He also taught himself to ride my Harley. He taught my 2 sons Dan & Chris, to work hard to be honest and to light their farts with a match. He had a great sense of humor.

Least of all, he was a collector of THINGS! He's left me with a huge barn filled to the brim. I threw out the dead dehydrated raccoon and the tote full of cow bones last week. I have to figure out where to get rid of the 20 tons of I Beams and scrap metal. Not to mention a house in Florida with an equally full garage and house to contend with. He never wanted to throw ANYTHING away!!! I will have enough to keep me busy the rest of my life, I guess I needed something to do anyway.

He made me laugh a lot and love a lot. He became a softer version of himself in his latter years. Much more forgiving and tolerant and really expressing the love he felt for our blended families. He also became more aware of the beauty around him. Tom will be missed more than I could ever express. I will miss our adventures together. I feel like half of my whole is gone.

Rest in peace, I love you