Thomas Lawrence Holmquist

Thomas Lawrence "Tom" Holmquist, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on August 28, 2024, amid the loving company of his family in Temple, TX. Born on August 5, 1958, in Omaha, NE, he approached life’s challenges with exceptional courage and filled the lives of those around him with love and boundless optimism.

Tom’s zest for life was evident in everything he did. He proudly served his country as a veteran of the Navy before embarking on a lifelong career that utilized his hands and heart. With a degree in Ag Business and Biology from the University of Arizona, he applied his knowledge and work ethic to trades such as landscaping, plumbing, flooring, carpentry, and general maintenance. Tom was admired for his ability to fix anything and his willingness to lend a hand wherever it was needed.

His resilience was inspiring; after undergoing a lung transplant in August 2019, Tom embraced the second chance at life with fervor. This gift granted him precious time to walk his youngest daughter, Skylar, down the aisle and to deeply touch the lives of his cherished grandchildren.

In May of 2024, Tom faced acute myeloid leukemia with the same bravery he had exhibited throughout his life. After a hard-fought battle that briefly led him into remission, his health succumbed to multiple medical ailments. His legacy, however, fortified by love and laughter, endures.

Tom's passion for life was matched only by his love for family. His beloved wife, Carolyn "Casey" Holmquist, was his rock, sharing in the joys and facing the adversities by his side. He was a guiding light to his daughters; Skylar, who inherited her father’s tenacity, and Jennifer Jensen, a strong and loving mother to six wonderful children. His profound influence shaped the lives of his daughter Amber Gaskill and her two daughters and his son Nicholas Orton, who continues to honor his father’s memory with his own son. Tom was a beacon of strength for Jordan Gaskill, his son who predeceased him, and his legacy continues to shine in the lives of his children. And his influence and love was profoundly felt and appreciated by his son-in-law Sean, Skylar’s husband.

Those who knew Tom also knew of his love for finishing and cracking jokes. His infectious humor and the glint of mischievous joy in his eyes were his hallmarks. He was not only a role model to his children and grandchildren but to everyone who had the privilege of crossing his path. Tom’s life was a testimonial of what it means to be loving, optimistic, and courageous. His ability to face life's most daunting challenges without losing his joyful spirit became a source of awe and inspiration. He will be remembered for how boldly he lived, how deeply he loved, and how effortlessly he lifted the spirits of others. While his presence will be deeply missed, Tom's legacy will continue to be felt through the countless memories he has left behind. He instilled in his family the values of determination, kindness, and joy, which will live on as a testament to his remarkable life.

Thomas Lawrence "Tom" Holmquist was a true blessing to all whose lives he touched. He departed from this world as he lived in it—surrounded by love. As we bid farewell to Tom, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man well-loved. His indomitable spirit and the echoes of his laughter will resonate in the hearts of those he has left behind, guiding them forward with the same courage and love he shared so generously.