Thomas L. Hobbs

Tom Hobbs was born in Clearfield, Utah on March 1, 1959 and grew up in Southern California.  Soon after graduating from La Quinta High School in Garden Grove, California, he began his work in ministry at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa where he ministered to the youth through teaching and leading worship. While working full-time, he pursued his degree at Biola University in Biblical Studies  where he met his wife, Sheryl, on a  trip to Israel.   Tom and Sheryl were married July 29, 1989 and would have celebrated 25 years of marriage this July. 

In 1990, Tom and Sheryl moved from California to Florida, in order that, Tom could fulfill his dream of full-time ministry.   He became an Associate Pastor at Calvary Chapel Merritt Island where he loved and dedicated himself to the people for 18 years until God called him into full-time chaplaincy.  After completing his Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling, he became a chaplain for VITAS Hospice in Brevard County,  where he comforted and counseled patients and families far into his own cancer journey.  In 2012, Tom was recognized as VITAS Chaplain of the year in Brevard County. 

            Tom’s commitments in his life were clear: to love the Lord, love his family, and love the people to whom he ministered.  His gentle and caring spirit drew people to him along with his humility, kindness and patience which were God-given gifts. Tom chose to express these gifts to show God’s never ending love to everyone around him. At the same time, Tom was a life-long learner, choosing to find opportunities to grow. Perhaps, it was because of this that even his mentors claim they were always learning from him and benefiting from his wisdom.

            Tom was taken into the presence of  his  Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the evening of May 1, 2014 at the age of 55. God orchestrated the timing of his passing, in order that, his wife and children could be by his side.

            He was the beloved husband of Sheryl Hobbs and the father of Caleb , Lucas and Emily Hobbs; all of Merritt Island, Florida.   He was the son of the late William Hobbs and Marilynn Hobbs, who currently resided in Garden Grove, California.  Tom is also survived by his sister Tracy (Hobbs) Smith of Arizona, brother Scott Hobbs of California, and family friend Kris McIver. 

            His exceeding love for his family will continue to live in each of them. Tom’s presence will be greatly missed, but our confidence is in knowing that his absence from us means he is present with the Lord.

Philippians 3:20-21 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

            A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Baptist Church of Merritt Island, 140 Magnolia Avenue, Merritt Island, Florida on May 17, 2014 at 2:00 pm. Tom requested that in lieu of flowers  donations be sent to Merritt Island Christian School; where his children attend school.

Island Cremations and Funeral Home is handling arrangements: islandcremations.com.