Thomas Edward Mease, born the 21st of September 1961, to the late Cecil and Shirley (Dittberner) Mease, passed peacefully surrounded by the love of family and friends on the 23rd of July 2022. Tom was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, where he first picked up the flute in the fourth grade. His love of the flute and music led him to gain his undergraduate degree from Drake University in Des Moines. His pursuit of an advanced degree brought him to North Carolina where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Music Education from East Carolina University. Tom continued his passion for music as a band director in eastern North Carolina which he fondly referred to as his “Peace Corps years.”
Tom was an accomplished musician and had many instruments in his repertoire but the flute, specifically the bass flute, had become his instrument of choice. His continued love of music and desire to perform brought him to the Raleigh Flute Choir in 1989, where he was a member until his passing. Tom performed with the RFC at the Biltmore House, Wake Forest University, Duke Chapel, and five visits to the White House, to name a few. In 2011, Tom was invited to join the International Flute Orchestra. The IFO travels the world bringing music and education to the countries they visit by providing free concerts. Through Tom’s association with the IFO, he has performed at beautiful historic venues, gardens, churches and cathedrals in Turkey, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Malta, Germany, Spain, Japan, Portugal and Ireland. Tom was an active member in the National Flute Association, most recently serving as Treasurer until his diagnosis with cancer.
Numbers were but one of Tom’s many other gifts which lead to his career in finance. He started working at North Carolina State University in the late 1990s supporting the financial side of academia until his retirement in March of 2021. Tom had a love for life and thrills which culminated into a love of theme parks and especially roller coasters. He could ride the “good ones” over and over, exiting the ride to only walk around and get back on for another go. Tom was a great baker and if you never had one of his cinnamon rolls, you missed out. He loved a good bourbon and appreciated a nice meal. While not an adventurous eater, he was always willing to try something new and many times found out that he liked it with a good old fashioned southern low country boil being one of his favorites. Tom had an adventurous spirit and a gentle soul. Always ready to try something new, to lend a hand or ear, or to make you smile with one of his stories.
Tom is survived by a brother, Jim Mease (Betsy), nephew Marshall (Staci), two grand-nephews Grayson and Kellan, of Des Moines, Iowa, as well as aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins all over the country. He also leaves behind his partner in crime, travel companion, wimpy roller coaster co-pilot, and best friend, Steven.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Raleigh Area Flute Association, National Flute Association (designate Thomas Mease scholarship fund), or American Cancer Society in Tom’s memory.
Tom was an avid reader, especially Tolkien, of which he read everything published multiple times. From his well-worn pages, “There is a place called ‘heaven’ where the good here unfinished is completed; and where the stories unwritten, and the hopes unfulfilled, are continued. We may laugh together yet...” - J.R.R. Tolkien.
A celebration of life for Tom will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W Williams St, Apex, NC 27502. Family and friends are welcome to visit and share memories of Tom at a catered reception immediately following the service from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.apexfuneral.net for the Mease family.
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