Thomas Ray Acott

Thomas (Tom) Ray Acott, 84, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2024. Viewing will be held from 1-4:00 p.m., Monday, May 27 at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 28, at Fleming United Methodist Church with Pastor Kristie Firme officiating. Tom will be laid to rest at the Fleming Cemetery.
Thomas was born February 1, 1940, in Sterling, Colorado to Thomas K. and Verna E. Acott. Tom dedicated his life to agriculture, a passion shared by his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; a legacy that continues today.
Tom spent his early years in Dove Creek, Colorado, before his family returned to Fleming when he was in the 8th grade. In 2023, Tom and his family proudly received the Centennial Farms and Family award from the state of Colorado, a testament to the Acott Farm's rich history that began in 1898 and has continued for seven generations. This recognition was a profound source of pride for Tom.
Tom earned his Bachelor's degree in Vocational Agriculture from Colorado State University in 1962 and was an active member of the Future Farmers of America, where he served as a state officer. He began teaching Ag. in Haxtun, Colorado, and later taught elementary school for 22 years while continuing to farm.
Tom found immense joy in attending his grandchildren's sporting and 4-H events, driving his draft horses in parades and hayrides, and was honored as the Fleming Fall Festival's honored citizen in 2006. He was an avid Broncos fan and enjoyed playing cards with friends. Although strokes changed him physically his spirit was unmovable. He never complained about his struggles and got up each morning to watch the sun rise with a smile on his face. He had a lively sense of humor. He loved apple pie and has been heard to ask a waitress "What kind of apple pie do you have?" He didn't believe in swear words and was rarely heard raising his voice.
A lifelong member of the Fleming United Methodist Church, the Sterling Elks Lodge, the National Education Association, and a participant in many national political campaigns, Tom's gentle nature and unwavering dedication to his family and community will be deeply missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Donna (Joe) Beene and Darlene (Don) Gorbutt, Peggy Acott, and Reta Acott.
Tom is survived by his daughter Kris (Steve) Schreibvogel; grandsons Trevor (Lacie) Schreibvogel, Brady (Maddy) Schreibvogel, and Spencer (Kelli) Schreibvogel; granddaughters Dana (Drew) Lentz and Kellie (Reed) Stone; and great-grandchildren Kinley and Allie Schreibvogel, Briggs, Lena, and Ella Stone, and Miles, Glenn, and Ellie Schreibvogel.
Tom's legacy of love, dedication, and humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Contributions may be made in Tom's memory to Haxtun FFA.