Thomas (Tom) Edward Wakefield, lived a meaningful life. Tom was born August 1, 1944 in Toledo, Ohio to loving parents, Donald and Evelyn Wakefield. He was raised in Toledo and lived most of his life within the Lucas County area. He graduated from Waite High School and then began his long career as a salesman.

He worked for Lion Store Mercantile for over two decades as a men’s suit salesman. He then worked for Dillard’s after their purchase of Lion Store until his retirement. He received multiple awards at Dillard’s for being the top men’s suit salesman within the company. He was a hard-working man with a magnetic personality dedicated to providing for his family. His strong work ethic and punctuality was to be admired.

He had an outgoing, hilarious personality. If you were around Tom, he was guaranteed to make you laugh. People gravitated toward him and loved spending time with him while listening to his stories.

He loved listening to classic music such as Elvis Presley, The Four Tops, Neil Diamond, and the Bee Gees. He especially loved watching action movies starring Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Keanu Reeves, Bruce Willis and more.

Tom loved the water. He was an avid water skier during his early years, and once owned a small boat he would take his family out on during the summer. He always dreamed of moving to a sunny state such as Florida following retirement. That dream came true back in 2022 when he moved to Sun City Center, FL. He made many friends and stayed active spending time at the pool and other activities that were available where he lived at Kings Point. Most importantly, he moved close to his son, Ryan, and they were able to spend quality time together during the last few years of his life.

Tom is preceded in death by his loving parents, Donald and Evelyn Wakefield and his sister Peggy Schliesser. He is survived by his son, Ryan Wakefield: Stepsons Darryl Pelchat and Chris Pelchat: Stepdaughters Lisa Jennings, Laura Porter and Katie Rowell: Grandchildren Dustin Reisdorff, Tyler Reisdorff, Hannah Little, Jonathan Fravor, Caleb Rowell, Kysen Rowell, Sara Pelchat, JJ Pelchat, and Monica Pelchat.

Dad, we all will miss you immensely. You were our "go-to" when life got rough, you were our comfort when we needed clarity. You taught us the meaning of hard work, punctuality, and accountability.  We thank you dad for all the calls, wise words of advice, the love you gave us and the beautiful lives we've lived because of you, and your love for us. We are all better people, Dad, because of you. We will forever keep you in our hearts.

A Visitation will be held for Thomas Wakefield on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 12pm, followed by a Funeral Service beginning promptly at 1pm, and Time to Say Goodbye from 2pm to 3pm. Services will be held at Sun City Center Funeral Home, 1851 Rickenbacker Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church 701 Valley Forge Blvd., Sun City Center, FL 33573 (813) 634-1292.