Thomas E. Huntress

Thomas E. Huntress, 58, of Lakeville passed away on Friday May 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and the caring staff of Trailpoint Village in South Bend.  Tom was born on May 26, 1967, in Amesbury, MA to the late Robert Sr. and Joyce (Craig) Huntress.  Tom leaves behind his cherished daughters, Kristina and Kathelyn as well as their mother, Harpa (Thordarson).  He also leaves behind his father-in-law, Steinthor Thordarson, his sister Rebecca Huntress, his brother Robert Huntress Jr. his brothers in law Throstur (Jonina) Thordarson, Smari (Lori)Thordarson, and Thor (Lori) Thordarson along with many nieces, nephews, and close friends.  Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law Lilja, his daughter Elizabeth, and his brother Dana.

Tom obtained his bachelor’s degree in education at Southern Adventist University, where he also met his wife of 32 years.  He obtained his master’s degree in secondary school counseling at Western Kentucky University.  Of the 33 years that he spent teaching, 30 of those were in the Seventh Day Adventist school system across several different states.  Tom or “Mr. H” as his students called him, was in his element in the classroom and loved finding creative ways to make learning come alive in his classroom.  He had a remarkable gift for connecting with students individually, challenging them to grow, encouraging them through difficulties, and helping them discover strengths that they did not know they possessed.  Throughout his career, he received numerous awards for his leadership and teaching skills. He earned the admiration and respect of his students, their parents, fellow educators, and communities alike. Former students credit him with developing their leadership abilities, encouraging creativity, strengthening their faith, and helping shape the adults that they became.  Tom’s influence extended well beyond the classroom.  He mentored young people, opened his home to students, taught woodworking and pen-making, shared his love of reading and writing, and invested countless hours in school activities and community events. His generosity was evident in the way he often put the needs of his students before his own.

Friends remember Tom for his infectious smile, sarcastic and quick wit, gentle spirit and positive outlook on life.  Whether sharing a joke, playing sports with friends, discussing literature (and making it come alive with by bringing in rose flavored Turkish Delight among other things), teaching English, enjoying a round of golf, or helping someone through a difficult time, he made people feel seen, heard, and appreciated.

To his daughters, Tom was a loving father who taught patience, resilience, creativity, compassion and faith.  He encouraged curiosity, celebrated individuality, and filled life with learning and unforgettable memories.  His family remembers him as a man with a big heart, unique sense of humor, and a deep commitment to those he loved.  While his passing leaves an immeasurable void, Tom’s legacy lives on in the thousands of lives he influenced through his teaching, mentorship, and example.  The lessons he taught, the encouragement he gave, and the love of learning that he shared will continue to ripple through future generations.  He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, former students, and all who were blessed to know him.  “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  The family finds comfort in the promise of reunion and the hope of seeing Tom again in God’s eternal kingdom.

A celebration of life for Tom is being planned for Sunday, July 19 at 10:30am at South Bend First Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1936 Altgeld St, South Bend, IN 46614.  Visitation will be at 9:30 and light refreshments after the service. Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel is caring for the family.

Online condolences may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.