Thomas Paul Schuette

Thomas Paul Schuette, 79, of St. Augustine, FL passed away on August 6, 2024.
Tom Schuette lived a life that will be remembered. Both his physical stature and how he did things were larger than life. The best way to describe Tom's life is Hemingway-esque: He rode donkeys in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica and elephants in Thailand, he once owned a racehorse, he was featured on a cooking show where he made his signature huevos rancheros, and he even flew a plane under the 312 Bridge in St. Augustine. Tom was a First-Team All-American football player, a professional football player, an amazing family man, a successful real estate investor, bartender, pilot, sailor, school teacher, dog lover, and most importantly, a good friend to all.
As a young boy, Tom wanted to be a professional football player when he grew up. Through a very determined work ethic, Tom was able to live his dream by playing 11 years in the Canadian Football League and winning 4 Grey Cup championships with the Ottawa Rough Riders. ESPN The Magazine listed Tom as one of the Top 54 players of all-time to play football at Indiana University.
After retiring from football, Tom moved to St. Augustine where he continued to live life all out for the rest of his life. Tom tended bar for over 30 years and those that had the pleasure to be served by Tom knew it was something special. Tom possessed many amazing qualities that drew people to him and made him a lifelong friend.
Tom treated everyone the same (with respect and a friendly smile) independent of one's socioeconomic background, race, religion, or age. He was a very humble person and was more interested in talking about someone else's achievements versus his own. Tom was a defender of those that couldn't defend themselves and a champion of children. He was a true friend and he always had your back. Tom was the quintessential gentle giant.
Tom's appetite for life may have only been eclipsed by his appetite for food. He was a hippy at heart in that he always wanted everyone to get along and he wasn't a big fan of clothing. He was an amazing family man and he will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Recently, Tom was asked how he wanted to be remembered in this life and he simply said, "as a good person". Tom was a GREAT person. Tom wouldn't want anyone to be sad about his passing, but would instead encourage everyone to remember one of his many funny stories, be good to each other, and live the life you want to live.
Please contact the family for details on the upcoming Celebration of Life, where the attire is casual, just at Tom would have liked it.
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Schuette family.