Thomas Newcomer's Obituary
Weslaco—Thomas “Tom” Newcomer, 81, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Tom was born on July 25, 1944, in South Bend, Indiana, to Dean and Helen Newcomer. Upon graduating from John Adams High School in South Bend in 1962, he entered the US Navy and served as a Radarman from 1962 to 1968. He attended Acme Institute of Technology for Tool & Die Design. Tom was employed as a Tool & Die Engineer at the West Bend Company, West Bend, WI, for 30 years, retiring in 1999.
Tom married Sharon on June 9, 1979. They moved to Weslaco, Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley in 1999, where they were active both at Southern Comfort Resort from 1999-2015 and at John Knox Village (2015-present), where Tom died on April 22, 2026.
Tom proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years. As a radar technician, he sailed throughout the Mediterranean and even carried a card documenting his crossings of the Arctic Circle near the North Pole. His work as a radar technician placed him in the only air-conditioned room on the ship, a detail he remembered well. Tom was a good friend and very trustworthy. When the navy would dock on shore, most of the guys headed into town to grab a few beers. Tom would usually announce that he was heading back after a couple, and many of his shipmates would give their pay for safekeeping, so they didn’t spend or lose it all, which Tom gladly obliged.
After returning home, Tom began a long and successful career as a draftsman and later, a senior project engineer with the West Bend Company. Highly intelligent, quick to learn, and gifted with precision, Tom became known for his speed, accuracy, and attention to detail. He was always interested in improving his craft and embraced new technology early, including learning to create 3D drawings on a computer when the technology was still in its early stages. After thirty years of dedicated work, Tom retired, having earned the respect of many coworkers. One colleague remarked on how much Tom could accomplish, often surpassing those with far more credentials.
While working at the West Bend Company, he attended a company-wide softball competition, where he met Sharon, a single mother with two young daughters who worked in another department. Sharon was not usually interested in sporting events, but that day changed both of their lives. Tom fell in love at first sight, and he quickly came to adore Sharon’s daughters. In 1979, Tom and Sharon were married, and the four of them became a family.
Tom was a brave man, but, more importantly, a man of honor and a man of God. He embraced Sharon and her daughters with love, compassion, and a steady heart. His parents welcomed Sharon and the girls with open arms as well. During holiday visits, Tom’s mother would stock the pantry with their favorite foods and keep everyone busy with games. Tom adored his parents and remained close to his older brother, Richard. Every Sunday evening, Tom wrote letters to his parents. After they passed away, he wondered who he should write to next, so he continued the tradition by writing to his daughters, Jennifer and Rebecca. What a gift it must have been to receive a handwritten letter from him each week.
Tom loved competition and games. As a boy, he played ball in the neighborhood. As an adult, he became an impressive bowler and participated in several leagues. He was also an avid golfer and once made a hole-in-one, witnessed by three friends. He and Sharon enjoyed traveling together. Each year, they took a family vacation at the beginning of June, and for the rest of the summer, they often traveled together like newlyweds, attending music festivals both locally and throughout the state of Wisconsin.
At home, Tom and Sharon enjoyed quiet evenings watching their favorite movies and television shows. They especially loved The Hunt for Red October. Tom enjoyed John Wayne, military stories, war films, westerns, and cowboy shows. The Newcomers also believed in supporting their community and regularly attended local fundraisers, where they made many friends who became like family. They also found a beloved faith family at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Weslaco, Texas.
Above all, Tom was a man of Christ. He was a faithful husband, loving father and grandfather, lovingly called “Opa”, and a steady role model. He wanted his family to worship together and made sure the Newcomer family was involved in church life. He taught the importance of putting God first, surrounding oneself with Christian believers, and serving others with humility.
Tom lived out his faith through service. In South Bend, Indiana, he helped run the oldest Sunday School AM radio broadcast. He was part of the Evangelical United Brethren Church, which later merged with the United Methodist Church. Throughout his life, Tom served on countless committees, helped with building and maintenance projects, and gave his time to pastoral care, calling on those facing illness, grief, or other needs. He also completed training to become a Stephen Minister, a trained layperson who offers confidential emotional and spiritual support to those experiencing difficult seasons of life.
Tom gave generously in very practical ways. He was a faithful blood donor, giving as often as he was able. After he and Sharon moved to Texas, he was asked to consider donating plasma. Tom eagerly accepted and remained committed to that mission for his entire life. He even received a certificate of recognition as a top donor. Selfless, caring, and considerate of others, Tom gave of himself quietly and faithfully. Even when he teased, it was always with love and kindness.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Helen Newcomer, and two nephews, Daniel and James Trevor “JT” Newcomer.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Newcomer; daughters, The Rev. Jennifer Osheim-Owen (D. Eric Owen) and Rebecca Osheim-Sosa; and grandchildren, Antonio Sosa and Nicolas Sosa; great-granddaughter, Samora; brother, Richard Newcomer (Andrea), nieces, Rebecca “Becky” Sue Roff and Kristine Marie Newcomer, nephews, Jeffrey Newcomer (Jill), Steven Preston Newcomer, Mark David Newcomer, and numerous cousins.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at McCaleb Funeral Home. Graveside services with military honors will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 p.m. at John Knox Village in Weslaco. Services will be officiated by The Rev. Jennifer Osheim-Owen.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?
