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Obituary For Tommy R Gilmer
Tommy R. Gilmer “Coach G”, passed away peacefully at his home on September 1, 2021 at the age of 88 with his family by his side.
He was a kind, humble man with a great wit and sense of humor. He was an amazing father, grandfather, brother, teacher, coach and friend to many. Tom enjoyed his life and considered himself a lucky man.
Tom was born on February 19, 1933 to William Avery Gilmer and Mary Lillian Sykes Gilmer (Wessie) in Marshall, Texas. He was the youngest of three children. Tom graduated early from Seminole HS in 1949 and began working at his first job with the phone company, Ma Bell. He then went to Western NM University on a basketball scholarship but once there he played football and tennis as well. He was active in many clubs including Student Council. He was dorm proctor and VP of his Senior Class. In 1956 he was voted “Most Popular” by the Western’s Annual Poll. He graduated with a teaching degree in Business and Physical Education.
After his graduation he married and moved to Albuquerque, NM and was called up for active duty but was denied for a pre-existing condition. He then moved to Calexico, CA where he coached for one year. He then moved to Morenci, AZ and was there coaching for four years. In Morenci is where his first two children were born. He then moved to Payson, AZ and coached for almost two years. By 1965 he moved to Truth or Consequences, NM and found his final and perfect place to call home. Once in T. or C., his youngest child was born.
Tom coached middle school PE in T. or C. for many, many years and this is where he made such a difference in many young lives. He loved helping people, whether it was helping them run extra programs or letting kids live with him, you knew he could be counted on.
Tom enjoyed many activities. He was a volunteer fire fighter and a driver’s education teacher. He enjoyed watching football, especially college football but also loved playing tennis and golf. He enjoyed two (2) Holes in One in his lifetime. He looked forward to the yearly fishing trips in the White Mountains of Arizona with his coaching friends. Tom enjoyed song writing and word rhyming. He won Golden Poet Awards and several Honorable Mentions for Poems submitted through the World of Poetry. Later in life he kept himself busy creating sand bottles and miniature model buildings. I believe his all-time favorite hobby was buying used cars. He loved the “new to him” car feel.
Tom was preceded in death by his father and mother; his brother, Billy Ray Gilmer; and his sister, Johnnie May Stanley; his sons, Lawrence Bruce Gilmer and Louis Brian Gilmer; and his grandson, Dylan Joseph Padilla.
Tom is survived by his son, Bradley Gilmer and his daughter, Tracey Padilla. He leaves behind two granddaughters, two nieces and many friends.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Tom “Coach” Gilmer on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at the Civic Center on 400 W. 4th Ave. in T or C. from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. All are welcome to attend. There will not be a formal service, just a gathering to remember this great man.
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This is Dan Jukich or "Danny" as Tom called me , I was one of kids that lived with Tom. I knew Tom in early grades of 6 grade thru High school. Due to events in my life I ended up With living with Tom my Senior and summer year. We grew close friends next 10 years of my life. I went to Tennis programs when he he had them and I was in elementary School even back then he was amazing man and he always inspired me to press on. I can remember his laugh when I did something funny to him. During the time I lived there he would tell me stories and he would fix me dinners. I use to sit on the couch and he be in his favorite chair. When I graduated I went to fight forest fires that summer. My truck broke down just end of my last few months of my senior year and he let me use his yellow Nissan truck thru the summer and when he went off to his yearly fishing trips I be just alone watching the house and take care of the huge white dogs. I remember close encounters with some lady friends he would giggle and laugh about. I would watch him work on his models and tell me stories and play his songs. When it was time to go to grad school he sent me on my way. I had to come back once arrive due my class mate did not want to and we headed back to T or C . I arrived back at his door step he was mad said get in here and told him the story next day gave me car full food and 100 bucks for gas and finished 4 yrs in Tempe Az iF it was not for that I would not be where I am today. Next 10 years I would call week or so and and we would do email he used WEB TV and we talked about girls, dating and daily life issues and told me to hang in there kid. We kept in touch and made many trips see him over the years with my Wife Rube and my 4 kids. He was sure happy see us and so he was big part of each other lives. We lost touch he moved and sold the house when my Family went to visit him again last time. He was not there he had moved to his kids home from what I heard . I always think of him and his laugh and all the good memories as second father. I wish had chance to see him. My prayers are for the family thank you so much and staying at his home and to know this great man. He was big part of my life during school and after I will see him again when we in our new heavenly home. God bless Dan Jukich
SO Long Tommy.......Ken.
I know him most recently as Coach Gilmer. He was my coach and a teacher and a role model. I irradiated the hell out of him on most days but he still imparted his wisdom, knowledge and the benefit of experience. I haven't seen or spoken to him in many years but was still saddened by his passing. My prayers are with his family and friends.
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