Thomas Martin Hollingshead

1966 - 2006

Thomas Martin Hollingshead

1966 - 2006

BORN

1966

DIED

2006

Thomas Hollingshead Obituary

Published by Bakersfield Californian on Sep. 5, 2006.
Thomas Martin Hollingshead passed away August 26, 2006, at the age of 40, in Bakersfield, California. Tom was born on March 15, 1966, in San Luis Obispo to Clarence Martin Hollingshead and Francis Geraldine Hollingshead of Santa Maria, California. He was raised in Santa Maria and attended Santa Maria High School. After High School he served in the United States Army with an honorable discharge in 1984. He wanted to continue his service to his country and enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves in 2003 as a Navy Seabee stationed out of Port Hueneme, California. He had traveled to the Middle East as part of our country's War on Terror and was preparing for possibly having to return. He relocated to Bakersfield, California in 2001. Tom was employed as a heavy equipment mechanic for Granite Construction. He was also a member of the Operating Engineers Union Local #12. Tom had been working in this field for over 22 years and was quite skilled in his profession. Tom was a Santa Maria Elks Member with BPOE Lodge #1538 for almost 20 years and also volunteered at many community events. Tom enjoyed riding Harley's and quads, gun collecting, hunting, camping, working on hobby projects, Dr. Pepper, Chevy Trucks, and spending time with his many friends. He will be remembered for his military mindedness and commitment to our country; his smile and sense of humor; and his independent spirit. Tom is survived by his mother, Geraldine Hollingshead; brothers, David Rumbaugh and Ricky Rumbaugh; niece, nephew; many cousins and best friend, Tank Martinez and family. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Hollingshead and his brother, Kenneth Rumbaugh. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 9, 2006, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m., at Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary. Graveside services will be held immediately following visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m., at the Santa Maria Cemetery. Military Honors will be presented by Boots-N-Shoots of Guadalupe and the service will be officiated by the Santa Maria Elks Lodge. A gathering for family and friends will be held at the Santa Maria Eagles following the services. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Tom's memory to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Dudley- Hoffman Mortuary & Crematory. Thomas Martin Hollingshead 1966 - 2006 Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary & Crematory

This obituary was originally published in the Bakersfield Californian.

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August 10, 2015

Kim Gould posted to the memorial.

November 29, 2012

Stephanie posted to the memorial.

August 26, 2011

Stacy Reichert posted to the memorial.

Kim Gould

August 10, 2015

Thinking of you today my friend....how much your are missed!

Stephanie

November 29, 2012

Your memories made me smile today and brought warmth to a cold winters day.

Stacy Reichert

August 26, 2011

This is just between an old memory and me. Miss you Tommy Trigger!
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~

I'm at Tom's taking care of his "Prized" Butch and Chili puppies. Note Tom's Dr. Pepper lol!!!

July 3, 2007

Chili bonded with Robbie since he's the man but she loves Rhonda and Jake too!

July 2, 2007

Look at Chili...now that is a happy girl!

July 2, 2007

Butch, Roady and I at Tom's

Stacy Reichert

July 2, 2007

~*~*~*~*~*Update on Butch and Chili*~*~*~*~*~

I raised Butch with Tom since he was six-week's old. Chili since she was six-month's old but a few years younger than Butch. Chili is the same age as my Roady.

Butch and Roady (The Boys) they are half brothers from the same Sire. Tom bought Roady for me as a gift and now I have both my boys and I know just like most of you know Tom is smiling with a big thumb's up about his dogs' future.

Chili is now Queen of her Castle!!! My Sister and her wonderful Husband have Chili and they have taken her to the Grand Canyon, Camping and motor sporting trips; Chili is living large and she is very happy!!! Chili now wears a beautiful pink with stones collar, she is spoiled!

I laugh every time I think about how mad Tom would get when he would tell Butch to load-up and "Every Time" he would load in “My Truck” not Tom's. Tom would look at me with this smirk on his face; he knew how much Butch loved me and Tom never could break him of that lol. I actually would have to drive Butch around the block with me just to spoil him and Tom would get such a kick out of that as we drove away.

Here's to Butch and Chili (And a Big Smile on Tom's face as he knows his dogs are very much loved!)

Stacy Reichert

March 15, 2007

On this day in 1966, God blessed this Earth with Tommy Trigger!!! I celebrate with great memories and knowing Tom is where he is meant to be now to feel complete. I still miss seeing Tom and having him "Command" me to do what he wished for in the hopes my big heart would see things his way and do whatever chores, contractor services, errands, cleaning, dog sitting, paying the bills, legal paperwork, driving the forklift, picking up trucks or delivering them where they needed to be and almost any and everything Tom would need in a personal assistant from home to business...I was the one lol!!! I accompanied Tom through many fun trips and endevors while having great company and conversation while being his sidekick! My life was blessed by Tom and I know so many others' were also blessed. So we celebrate the time we did get with Tommy Trigger and still giggle when we remember the occasional jokes Tom would pull off or the jokes he would pull on us lol.

~*~*Happy Birthday Tommy Trigger*~*~


__________________________________

Petty Officer, Thomas Hollingshead; Chris and Erin in Great Lakes, IL

November 11, 2006

Me and Butch at Greenhorn what a beautiful day that was!!!

Stacy Reichert

November 11, 2006

Today Is A Day To Honor All Veterans And All Whom Have And Are Still Serving Our Country Today. Thank You!!!

In July of this year, Tom stopped by my house after going to the local weekend swap meet. I always get up very early and have my coffee and do my morning chores then try to get a bit more sleep. I awoke to the most beautiful thing that morning. As the dogs were pouncing all over me and trying to get me awake by getting their cold noses under my covers to lick my face, I peaked my eyes out of the covers to see what was going on and what did I see? I saw this stout, handsome man with the most heartwarming smile on his face standing at the foot of my bed watching all this commotion that almost brought him to a giggle!!! I said, “What are you smiling about”? Tom replied as he continued to stand there with pure joy on his face watching me and the dogs still pouncing all over me, “I knew in that king sized bed and all those covers was your little body somewhere.” It was PRICELESS!!!

The reality is barely starting to sink in these days and is very very hard!!! Please share your stories so we all can smile just a bit once in awhile in this sorrowful time and post the many great pictures I know you all have out there.

Judy Ruell

September 28, 2006

The relationship and times Tom and I shared will never be forgotten He was a good MAN. My heart is broke to lose him from this place, But I hope he is finally at peace. Love Judy

JACINTO AND DEBBIE MARTINEZ

September 18, 2006

To the Hollingsead family:

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY, I HAD THE FORTUNE TO WORK WITH CM2 THOMAS HOLLINGSEAD, IT WAS FUN TO WORK WITH HIM WE WILL MISS HIM AT PORT HUENEME CA. GOD HAS HIM UNDER HIS WING

Valerie Houston

September 12, 2006

My family and I have known Tom for years,He became a big part of the Martinez family. I know that he is in heaven with my father fixing everything in sight and laughing at the stories being shared between all of his loved ones.



Fly with the eagles Tom, your forever in our hearts and prayers





Doug and Valerie Houston and family

Justin Foster

September 11, 2006

Many thanks to Toms family and friends for allowing us to participate in Toms goodbye. Petty Officer Hollingshead approached the military in a straight line like all else he was involved in and after an interesting start (LOL) he was able to learn what traits and actions were needed to succeed. His assignment to the Leading Petty Officer of his department was a happy day for CM2 and having taken him under my wing, I was as proud as a father! I am certain Tom was headed for spectacular accomplishments while serving this great country and the loss of his presence will be felt. It was an honor to serve with Tom and we will all miss his friendship.

David and Michele Dodd

September 10, 2006

We remember Tom with a big smile and a great laugh. Our lives are richer for having known him. He is greatly missed.

LTJG Ronnie Oates

September 9, 2006

My deepest sympathy for the Hollingshead family. I served with Petty Officer Hollingshead in Port Hueneme. He was well known for his hard work and "Can-do" spirit. Anytime I heard about what a great job he had done, I always replyed, "What do you expect, he's a Bakersfield Boy." Being a Bakersfield resident, I was proud to make that claim. I will continue my fond memories of him.



I am sorry that I will not be able to attend his funeral. I am currently training for deployment to the Middle East.

Warren and Laurie Smith

September 8, 2006

It has been a diificult time for Tom's family and friends. What has been so very comforting is all the expression of love for Tom. Warren and I felt as though Tom was like another son, Warren helped Tom through the good and the bad and had become so very proud of him. We are so very sad that Tom will miss the many things he had so wanted; most of all fatherhood. We will always remember the "Tom" stories (yes most of them true). We too are proud of the man Tom had become, his services to his country, his tell it like it was personality and his compassion that some may have not known.

We thank all who have made this time bearable, especially to Tank and Diane, they have been true friends for Tom.

Stephanie Linder-Maly

September 8, 2006

Please be sure to look at the photos of Tom that have been submitted on this site. Unfortunately, this website does not prompt you as a viewer to the phote album link if photos were submitted. I just happened to click on "view the photo album" and much to my surprise..some great photos of Tom were there. Thanks to the person who put them on here for us to see.

Stacy Reichert

September 8, 2006

How will I live without you? Everyday I still feel the need to pick up the phone and say, “Hey! What are you up to?” I always knew Tom was there for me and so many others when needed and if He couldn’t be there physically He would talk you through it and give you his knowledge. Tom was a very important man not only to me but also to my daughter, Erin, and her husband, Chris.



It was very well known just how important Warren and his family along with Tank and his family were to Tom. Their doors were always open to Tom and their homes were Tom’s homes. Tom talked about how he loved being around Warren and Tank’s family lifestyles. My deepest thoughts and Prayers go out to these two families.



We all have so many great stories to share about Tom that most of us could write a book lol!!! A few things that Tom loved besides his large glass of ice cold Dr. Pepper was a big steak and a long back rub to relieve the muscle tension from His hard day which would put him in the sweetest mood and drift off to sleep.



So many people were important to Tom in one way or another and He was so much to so many that it’s countless!!! He will continue to be loved and missed in so many ways!!! Until my work is done and we meet again, Tom, I know you are whole, complete and filled with unconditional love and that’s what keeps me from crying each time I want to pick up that phone.

David Boone

September 8, 2006

I had the honor of serving with Tom in Port Hueneme with the Seabees. Tom worked with me in the heavy line shop. Tom was a good and kind man and very skilled. My deepest condolences to all his family and friends for their loss. It is with regret that I cannot attend Tom's services as I am on Military deployment in the Horn of Africa. Best wishes to all and if anything is needed please let me know.



CM1 David G. Boone USNR

DANNY & SHELLY RICH

September 7, 2006

TO THE HOLLINGSHEAD FAMILY



WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT TOM.OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME AND HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Tricia Ritchie (Smith)

September 6, 2006

Although technically our cousin, Tom was more like an older brother to my younger brother and myself. He would tease and torcher us but as we grew older, he would watch out for us too. My dad had taken him under his wing and Tom was treated just like my brother and I. From the movies, to camping, bbq's (always had to have Dr. Pepper on hand) to the holidays - Tom was usually there. Unless he had a date! As we grew up he continued to stay involved, he was great with my two girls, like an uncle. He loved to tease my husband about having to change diapers. I always knew what to expect when I would get a call from him saying "who is your favorite cousin?" He needed help with online traffic school again! Tom's smile and presence will never be forgotten. He was a good man and its so hard to believe that he is gone. He made such a difference to so many people. He will be forever in our thoughts and memories. He was also so very lucky to have so many friends that loved and cared about him. Thank you to all for sharing your memories.

Mike & Becky McGeary

September 6, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Mike and Anna Wobrock

September 6, 2006

We were extremely saddened by the news of Tom’s passing and send our deepest condolences to Tom’s family and friends. Even though we had not been in touch with Tom in a long time, we will never forget the many fond memories we have and the many good times we shared. We wish we had the opportunity to get to know him again.

Kimberly Vester

September 6, 2006

To the Hollingshead Family and all the awesome friends we have all had Please accept our deepest sympathies. I had the privilege of introducing Tom to his first wife Stephanie. I will never forget Tom and the way he was always happy, there were very few times that I saw Tom with out that sweet smile on his face. Tom will always be in our hearts I now know God is riding in a 4X4 with Tom at the wheel! I think we all have a special angel now. All our love and prayers to all who knew and loved Tom! The Vester Family, Chris, Kimberly (Rhule) Christopher and Kathy.

Teresa Swetalla

September 6, 2006

Please accept my deepest sympathies. Tom was a very nice man that I had the privledge of getting to know. He will always be remembered.

Mr. & Mrs. Tank Martinez and family

September 6, 2006

Tom will always be a part of our family and will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy to his family.

Lisa Gaston

September 6, 2006

My heart feels like we have lost one of the three musketeers’, Tom, Tod and Lisa. I have known Tom since junior. High and granted over the years some of the memories get a little fuzzy…… but his smile, sense of humor and sound of his laughter will always hold a special place in my heart that will never fade. I will always love you and will always be grateful for every time you stuck your nose in to keep the three musketeers together. PS. I will watch over your best friend Tod for you ? you will be truly missed my friend.

Stephanie Linder-Maly

September 6, 2006

To all of Tom's family and friends, my deepest and sincerest sympathy to all of you for your loss. He was such a wonderful person and I am so blessed to have been able to know and love him. He will be in our hearts forever.

Tod Andrews

September 6, 2006

I met Tom in 7th grade and we have been friends ever since. I believe everybody who knew Tom has a story that only Tom could give. I have about a thousand. He was a good friend to my whife, uncle Tom to my children, and a brother to me !!! Tom, you will be missed !!!!!!

Tom, Butch and Chili in his front yard having fun!!!

September 6, 2006

Tom and his very loved Butch at Greenhorn.

September 6, 2006

Tom was proud to be a Navy Seabee!!!

September 6, 2006

Tom at the Great Lakes, IL, Navy boot camp graduation for Chris.

September 6, 2006

Leigh Ann Hunter O'Neil

September 5, 2006

To the Hollingshead Family:



I just can't put into words how truly sorry I am for your loss. I have very fond memories of Tom and my heart broke when I read the news. My deepest sympathy -

Michael Williams

September 5, 2006

So sorry for the loss,Tom was my best friend in 7th-9th grade. I`m glad to see that he became such a great man.

Tommy Little Sr

September 5, 2006

I know the Family and Tom didnot know me . I just wanted to Thank Him and his Family for HIS service to our Country. South Dakota

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August 10, 2015

Kim Gould posted to the memorial.

November 29, 2012

Stephanie posted to the memorial.

August 26, 2011

Stacy Reichert posted to the memorial.