Thomas (Tom) Lawrence Hands was born on February 13, 1927 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to William and Agnes Hands. As a child, Tom eventually made his way to Phelps, Wisconsin where he lived until joining the US Navy.
After several years in the Navy supporting WWII, he made his way to the US Air Force for the next 23 years. During his time in the Air Force, Tom spent time in Vietnam, Thailand, 3 tours in Japan, North and South Carolina, Delaware, New Mexico, Texas (Abilene) in addition to numerous temporary duty assignments. Tom retired out of Altus AFB, Oklahoma in 1973 and moved to San Antonio where he happily joined VFW Post 4676 and American Legion Post 667. Tom was preceded in death by his wife Marcella (Mickey), sons Michael, and Kevin and great grandson, Caden. Tom is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Simpson, two sons Richard (spouse-Beth) Hands, and Kenneth Hands, 4 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Tom was loved very much by his family and friends and will be sorely missed.