Thomas Rahner Obituary
As a teen, Tom performed a one-man marionette show featuring puppets of his own design. Upon returning to the States, he became instrumental in the establishment of the historical drama "Cross and Sword" as the Florida State Play. He managed the Amphitheatre, played lead roles, and became Director in 1968, supporting the play in various capacities throughout its 30+ year run.
In 1968, Tom became an original faculty member of Flagler College, where he served for more than 30 years positively impacting many lives. In 1971, he established the Flagler Theater Arts Program. In 1975, he designed and oversaw the construction of the college's first theater and, in 1991, he assisted with the design of Lewis Auditorium.
Tom frequently portrayed Pedro Menendez, including as Master of Ceremonies at St. Augustine's 400th Anniversary. In later life, Tom frequently portrayed Henry Flagler, including in a self-authored one man play. In 2019, the City of St. Augustine honored Tom and Jean for their extensive contributions to local performing arts and education by inducting them into the Order of La Florida.
Always creative and constructive, Tom's hobbies included set design, antique auto restoration, woodworking, and model building. His historically accurate nautical models were recently featured in a Lightner Museum exhibit.
Tom is survived by his wife Jean of 65 years, daughter Laura Olsen (Jim), son Philip (Abby), granddaughters Diana Olsen, Maggie Smith, Ashley Spears, and Lindsey Augustine, and great grandsons Leo Spears, Slater Augustine, Sawyer Smith, and Nolan Smith. An informal gathering to honor Tom's life will be held on January 11th from 2 to 4 pm at the Flagler College Dining Hall.
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6 Entries
John Upp
September 30, 2025
Tom Rahner was a great man, which ANYONE who was ever fortunate enough to meet him, knows well.
My own father was amazed at "Tommy´s" extraordinary gifts of mime, acting, wood crafting and gifted intelligence. He would tell me of his, (Tom´s), marionette shows that he would put on in school with puppets that he hand carved himself. The acting that he did in school plays and for local theatre.
I knew him from a young age through his son, Philip, a gifted individual in his own right and a dear friend.
No doubt that Tom was a genius and a man of many, many talents! Yet, he never lacked courtesy and wisdom to carry on a conversation with someone at my level. Never once did he ever make me feel inferior, unintelligent or completely out of my league when speaking with him! On the contrary, I always left our conversations feeling quite a bit above my own intellect because every conversation with him always included knowledge that I had never known before. Another of his great gifts: teaching without making a lesson out of it!
Yes, a very great man who is surely missed but will be remembered forever.
Virginia McKinney
April 20, 2025
Tom Rahner was the greatest influence in my Theatrical Career. He was the kindest, most giving of himself, knowledgeable, Theatrical Professional I have had the honor to know. His loss leaves a tremendous vacuum. Bless Jean, Laura, Phillip and all the grand and great-grandchildren.
Virginia McKinney, Class of 1982
Jennifer
January 4, 2025
Hi, my name is Jennifer. I was a theatre major at Flagler College. TR is what we called our Professor. I have very good memories of Mr. Tom Rahner. He is a great, kind, and decent person who is loved and will be always. My heart goes out to Mrs. Jean Rahner and family. I love them dearly. When I first started at school, he instantly asked me to work the sound for the upcoming production. I will never forget this. He had a great sense of humor. He was an incredible teacher. A true man with a wonderful legacy that carries in all our hearts.
Sincerely.....Jennifer
Shoals Family
January 2, 2025
Our deepest sympathy to you all.
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Elizabeth (Liz) Peters
January 1, 2025
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Tom Rahner. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
Tom was an extraordinary individual who touched the lives of so many with his kindness, talent, and unwavering dedication. I will always be grateful for his guidance and encouragement in challenging times and his ideas were always brilliant and never failed to inspire us all. His presence was a source of strength and inspiration, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Tom's kindness and generosity will be missed. The world is a little less bright for him not being in it. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family. If there´s anything I can do to support you, don´t hesitate to reach out.
Elizabeth (Liz) Peters
Elizabeth (Liz) Peters
January 1, 2025
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Tom Rahner. He was always a positive influence on everyone who met him.
Tom was an extraordinary individual who touched the lives of so many with his kindness, talent, and unwavering dedication. I will always be grateful for his guidance and encouragement in challenging times and his innovative ideas that inspired us all to do better and to be better. His presence was a source of strength and inspiration, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. The world is a little less bright for him not being in it.
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1475 Old Dixie Highway, Saint Augustine, FL 32084
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