Thomas Tuttle

Thomas E. Tuttle of Sparks, NV passed away on June 3,2025, in Ocean Springs, MS from Dementia. Born October 17, 1947, in Scottsbluff, NE, to Richard D. and Bonnie J. Tuttle. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gerald; and sister, Vickie Dunn. When Tom was a young boy his family moved to Paso Robles, CA. He joined the Marines right out of high school, following in his dad's footsteps. Tom went to Vietnam where he was wounded twice and received 2 Purple Hearts, of which he was very proud. During his short military career, he acquired several metals and achievement awards. Tom was a proud Marine and loved his country till the very end. One of the last things he said was, ‘I was a good Marine to the end.’

When his time in the Marines ended, he decided to make Reno, NV his home to be near his father. He spent the rest of his life building long-term friendships and making a few career moves. He retired from the state of NV where he worked in maintenance at the NV Air National Guard Base. Tom was an avid gun collector. There wasn’t a gun show within 50 miles that he didn’t go to and keep in business. His guns were his prized possessions. He loved to shoot and show them off when anyone showed interest. Tom could be a little rough around the edges and speak his mind when he felt the need. However, he had a big heart and was extremely generous and kind to those he cared for. He had a dry sense of humor that at times caught you off guard.

In 2022, his sisters, Vickie and Candy after spending 9 months traveling back and forth to Reno from Gulfport, MS, realized he could no longer live on his own and moved him to MS. The next three years he spent in an assisted living facility. The transition was initially hard for Tom, until Cheryl became part of his life. Cheryl was his caregiver and friend until his passing. She took him out and about and introduced him to MS. She took him to the beach, out for ice cream, to the park, out for a cold beer and introduced him to her family and friends. Who would have ever thought Tom's favorite dish would be cheesy grits and a glass of sweet tea? She even got him to eat crawfish for the first time. She made him special shirts for his birthday, took him to the Alzheimer’s march and when he became the King of Mardi Gras at his facility, she got him all dressed and hyped for the affair. She is the reason he flourished.

Tom is survived by his sister, Candy Thornton, Long Beach, MS; nephews, Derek Tuttle, John Tuttle, Xerxes Tuttle, all of San Antonio, TX, Scott Carden, Long Beach, MS; and asst’d cousins and great nephews. Tom was blessed with a few friends that were with him till the end. Tom would love nothing more than donations to be made on his behalf to any Veterans’ charity.

Graveside service will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family Thomas E. Tuttle.