Tomas Luke Avey

Tomas Luke Avey, 34 of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida passed on to be with the Lord on March 29, 2015 in Columbus, Georgia while on temporary duty at nearby Ft. Benning. Tomas’s passing was due to heart failure brought on by prolonged complications from wounds suffered during his multiple deployments to Afghanistan. He was lovingly surrounded by his family in those final hours. Tomas is a beloved son, brother, father, nephew, friend, soldier and Godly man.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska on February 9, 1981 Tomas Luke was the son of the late Tomas Lee Avey (Chief Petty Officer, U. S. Navy , retired) and the then Pamela Dowell Avey. They lived in Nebraska, Texas, and Virginia. Following her marriage to Philip Stemple in 1989, Tomas’ many travels continued to include Maryland, Oklahoma, Virginia.

Tomas graduated from Harrah High School in Harrah, Oklahoma in 1999 where he was an All-State middle linebacker on the football team. He then attended the University of Central Oklahoma. In the year 2000 Tomas enlisted in the 45th Infantry Brigade (Thunderbirds), Oklahoma Army National Guard. He later served in the 48th Infantry Brigade, Georgia Army National Guard.

In January 2002 Tomas married the former Dana Grammer of Ardmore, Oklahoma. In February 2002 Tomas transferred to the Regular Army and he and Dana began their journey at Ft. Drum, New York with the 10th Mountain Division in Company B, 2d Battalion, 87th Infantry. He served there for six years to include graduation from the U.S. Army Ranger School and two deployments to Afghanistan. Their daughter Isabel Rain Avey was born on March 5, 2004. The second tour in Afghanistan was for 16 months serving as a Squad Leader, being wounded in action, and as a Sniper School trained Sniper Team Leader engaging strategic targets. Each time he went into combat the enemy paid a heavy price. He was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for Valor. During these six years he was promoted three times rising from Private First Class to Staff Sergeant.

From 2008 to 2010 Tomas was a Drill Sergeant at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. On multiple occasions he was awarded the coveted Drill Instructor of the Cycle Award. He was promoted to Sergeant First Class during this time rising to the ranks of the senior Non-Commissioned Officer Corps at the very rapid rate of only seven years of active duty.

From 2010 – 2013 Tomas was assigned to the 2d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Carson, Colorado. This service entailed a third deployment to Afghanistan as a Platoon Sergeant. For action in close combat against the enemy he was decorated with an Oak Leaf Cluster (second award) to his Bronze Star.

From the summer of 2013 until the time of his death Tomas was assigned to the 6th Ranger Training Battalion at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. As a Ranger Instructor (“RI”) Tomas and his cohorts were responsible for developing the young leaders of the Army as they pursued the coveted Ranger Tab at the most challenging school American warriors can attend – U.S. Army Ranger School. He performed this duty, as he has all of his others, in a way that left those he came in contact with better for having served with him.

Quick to smile and slow to anger, Tomas was known by family, friends and fellow soldiers alike as a selfless and light hearted man who never bowed to pressure, who always had a reassuring comment or a joke to ease someone else’s day and who could be counted on to perform above and beyond what was expected when the chips were down. Since boyhood, Tomas loved the beach and especially paddle boarding in the surf. Riding his Harley was another one his favorite things to do. Spending time with his daughter Isabel, who he loved very much, always brought a smile to his face. Tomas sought God’s guidance on a daily basis and set an example for all others to emulate in looking to the needs of others.

Tomas is survived by his daughter Isabel Rain Avey, his mother Pam Stemple, his step father Phil Stemple, his sisters Rachel and Andrea Stemple, his former wife Dana Avey, his brother Seth Avey, his sister Samantha Avey, his uncle Bobby Dowell, his uncle Teddy Avey, his grandfather Maynard Avey, his grandfather Robert Dowell and friends and other family members too numerous to mention.

A public viewing will be held for Tomas from 2-5 P.M., Sunday April 12, 2015 at Swan-Law Funeral Directors in Colorado Springs. A social in celebration of Tomas’ life will be held for well-wishers beginning at 7 PM at his family’s home at 934 Cheyenne Blvd in Colorado Springs

Funeral Services will be conducted at Chapel of Our Saviour Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs at 10:00 AM, Monday, April 13th; internment immediately following with full military honors at Fairview Cemetery at 1000 S. 26th St., Colorado Springs, CO 80904

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tomas’ name can be made to the U.S. Army Ranger Association. Please Google “USARA”, then click on “Donate to USARA”, then click on “USARA Assistance Fund.” These contributions will assist Rangers and their families directly in their time of need. Tomas had a heart for the families of his fellow warriors and spoke of them often.