Thomas Theodore Smith

Thomas Theodore Smith, 87, of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025.

 

Born on September 7, 1938, in Holdrege, Nebraska, Tom was the son of Ted and Leona Smith. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege. His family lived on the 160-acre Smith farm, three miles east of Holdredge.  He went to school in Wilcox and graduated from high school in Wilcox, Nebraska.

 

Tom attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney from 1956 to 1960, where he served as freshman class president and president of his Fraternity. He was active on the Inter-Fraternity Council, worked as a dorm counselor, sang in the Coraleers, and played on the college tennis team—a passion he carried throughout his life.

 

On June 3, 1961, Tom married Suzanne Kay Parsons at First Presbyterian Church in Hastings, Nebraska. Together, they shared 64 years of marriage, raising three children and welcoming six grandchildren.

 

After earning his B.A. in Education, Tom taught junior high English in Cozad, Nebraska from 1960 to 1962, where he also coached football, basketball, and track. In 1962, Tom and Suzie moved to Laramie, Wyoming, where he pursued graduate studies at the University of Wyoming, earning his Master’s in 1963 and Doctorate in 1969. During this time, he served as Director of Student Activities from 1963 to 1966.

 

In 1966, the family settled in Fort Collins, Colorado, where Tom began a career at Colorado State University. He served as Director of the Student Union (1966–1969), Director of Freshman Orientation and Associate Dean of Students (1969–1972), and Director of Student Relations (1972–1979). He was also President of the Colorado Dean of Students Association and served on the Editorial Board of the National Journal.

 

Tom transitioned into real estate in the 80’s, working as a broker in the commercial and property sectors for the remainder of his professional life.

 

Tom was deeply involved in the Fort Collins community. He served as President of the Fort Collins Tennis Association and was a devoted member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church from 1966 to 2025, where he contributed to the church council, worship, music, stewardship, and call committees, and teaching high school Sunday School.

 

A lifelong lover of travel, music and the performing arts, Tom and Suzie attended the Santa Fe Opera annually for over 25 years. He served on the board of the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra, including two terms as president, and chaired both the conductor search and the orchestra’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Tom was also active with Good Samaritan, Campus Ministry of Colorado, and the Foothills Rotary Club, where he chaired several committees and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow.

 

Tom was an avid sports enthusiast, both as a player and a fan. He especially loved cheering on his children and grandchildren from the sidelines and always visiting with others in attendance. He was the Fort Collins City Doubles Champion with longtime partner Ted Davis and won both singles and doubles titles at the Fort Collins Country Club four times.

 

Tom is survived by his beloved wife Suzie; his son Greg and wife Terri, and their children Travis and Audrey; his son Eric and wife Amy, and their children Zac, Autumn, Cam, and Shae.

 

He was preceded in death by his daughter Lynn Elizabeth Smith-Andres (2019); his brother Larence Harley Smith (2021); his father Theodore (Ted) Oscar Paul Smith (1976) and his mother Hildur Emma Leona Smith (Bergstrom) (1977)

 

Tom will be remembered for his warm smile, quick wit, infectious laughter, and unwavering love for his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the communities he helped shape.

 

Memorial Service

 

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Friday, September 26th at 2:00 PM at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, located in Fort Collins, Colorado. All are welcome to attend.

In Lieu of Flowers

 

Donations may be made in Tom’s memory to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, honoring his lifelong commitment to faith and service.