Thomas Earl Suitts

Thomas Earl Suitts, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at home on April 18, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 92. Born in Moline, Illinois on May 3, 1932, Tom lived a full and vibrant life marked by service, adventure, craftsmanship, and deep devotion to his family.

On November 18, 1953, he married the love of his life, Phyllis M. Jacobs. Together they built a beautiful family with five children and shared more than seven decades of marriage.

A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Tom served during the Korean War as a member of the 328th Bombardment Squadron, flying aboard B-52s. He was awarded the National Defense Medal for his service. By a twist of fate, he was bumped from a flight on February 16, 1956—one that later became infamous after the aircraft caught fire near Castle Air Force Base.

Tom was an avid fisherman for big game fish, navigating the coastal waters of San Diego, CA to as far as South America and the Galápagos Islands for Marlin and Tuna. A natural on the water, he had a lifelong passion for fishing that would follow him wherever he went.

In 1960, Tom and his family relocated to Boulder, Colorado, where he founded Suitts Construction Company. Over the next several decades, he left a lasting legacy across Boulder County—constructing single-family homes and multi-unit apartment complexes that still stand today.

In addition to his work, Tom was an avid outdoorsman. Whether in the mountains or by the lake, he was never happier than with a fishing pole in his hand or hunting alongside his sons and grandsons. He later channeled this passion into founding Catch Wild Trout in Estes Park, Colorado—sharing his love of the sport with countless others.

Tom was an extremely competitive tennis player, winning several local tournaments in Boulder.

In 1994, Tom and Phyllis moved to Elwood, Nebraska, where he spent his golden years doing what he loved most: fishing nearly every day on the region’s many lakes and relaxing at the family lake house on Plum Creek Canyon Lake. He was still ably commanding the docks and shores at 92 years old!

Tom was a man of humor, grit, and generosity. He was known far and wide as the king of pranks, always quick with a clever joke or playful surprise. But beneath his wit was a deeply loyal and loving man who cherished time with his family above all else.

He is survived by his children: Gary Suitts (Robin), Gayle Stech (David), Greg Suitts (Cyndi), and Brad Suitts. He was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, his daughter Cheryl Marie Suitts, and nine brothers and sisters.

He leaves behind a proud legacy through his grandchildren: Blake Stech, Josh Stech (Emi), and Shaylee Stokes (Dusty); and great-grandchildren: Carter Stech, James Stech, Liora Stech, and Emma Stech.

Thomas Suitts built more that homes—he built a legacy of strength, laughter, and love. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.