Henry Thomas Bothe

Henry Thomas "Tom" Bothe, known to nearly everyone simply as Tom, was born on December 30, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland, and passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 17, 2026.

Raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, Tommy grew up in a close-knit, middle-class neighborhood where bikes meant freedom, sports meant belonging, and friends and family were strong influences. From an early age, he showed the traits that would define him throughout his life: curiosity, independence, a

competitive streak, and an unmistakable sense of humor. No one ever called him Henry. He was Tommy or Tom from the start.

Tom attended the University of Maryland and later served in the National Guard, including 5 months of active duty, which he often credited with changing the entire direction of his life. It taught him discipline, urgency, and the difference between leaders and followers-distinctions he never forgot and often

embodied.

A natural salesman and gifted leader, Tom rose quickly in his professional life, becoming a vice president at age 28 and later earning numerous regional and national honors in the automotive and retail industries. He took pride not just in success, but in how success was achieved: through action, accountability, and

treating people fairly. He was repeatedly entrusted with leadership roles, including serving as president of Evergreen Country Club and the Evergreen Homeowners Association.

He was first married to Beverly Lee McLain, the love of his early adult life and the mother of his beloved son, Brian Thomas Bothe. Their marriage was built on deep respect, shared ambition, and devotion to family. Beverly's sudden passing was the greatest loss of Tom's middle years, and profoundly reshaped how he viewed work, time, and what truly mattered.

Later, Tom found love again with Gwendolyn Irene Austin, whom he married in 1998. Gwen was his equal, his companion, his anchor, and his joy. Together they shared a life filled with travel, laughter, golf, spirited conversation, and a deep, abiding partnership that proved life can begin again.

Tommy is survived by his wife, Gwen Irene Austin, his son, Brian Thomas Bothe (Sandra), his stepson, Zeke Shaub, and his beloved grandsons, Ari and Zach Bothe. He is also survived by his sister Lyn Donley (Bruce); sisters-in-law Carol Baran (Alan) and Rita Humphries; nephew Beau Humphries (Wendy); and countless treasured cousins and friends who value his loyalty, honesty, and humor.

He survived kidney cancer, professional upheaval, and profound personal loss, emerging each time with renewed clarity and an unshakable belief that life goes on -and that it should be lived fully. A man of strong opinions and stronger loyalty, Tom loved golf, skiing, travel, ice cream, Maryland blue crabs, scrapple, steak, spirited debate, and the Washington Redskins. A true movie lover, Tom famously wrote detailed critiques after every film he saw and shared them with friends.

Tom wished to be remembered simply and honestly: as the best husband, the best father, and the best boss he could be. Those who knew him would say he succeeded. In his own words, the one word that best described his life was "Lucky." Those who loved him would add: "Earned. "

Should you wish to honor Tom, you may wish to make a contribution to Camp Many Paws at www.campmanypaws.com or Zelle to 239-438-2963 or send checks to Camp Many Paws 2348 Sunset Ave., Naples, FL 34112 . An organization near and dear to his heart.

Tom's Celebration of Life will be held on February 20, 2026 at 5:00pm, at the Esplanade Amenity Center, 8490 Viale Circle, Naples, Florida 34114.