Thomas Everette, Jr.

Thomas F. Everette, Jr., 70, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Mercy Hospital in Durango, Colorado, after a brief but intense battle with cancer. Tom was born in Birmingham, AL, on May 5, 1943, to Thomas and Elizabeth Everette. After high school, he joined the Navy and served on the USS Enterprise during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Following his military service he pursued his education and eventually settled in Tampa, FL, where he soon realized his dream job of selling airplanes. He began his career with Birdsong-Beechcraft selling small single-engine airplanes, advancing to Mitsubishi Aircraft selling turbo-props, and eventually selling executive jets for Aero Commander, British Aerospace, and Raytheon Aircraft, ultimately retiring from Hawker Beechcraft in 2005. During his remarkable career he lived in South Carolina, California, New Mexico, and Texas, consistently earning top awards at each location. He enjoyed the travel and visited many interesting places worldwide, always with funny anecdotes to share afterward that remain a part of his legacy. Upon retirement, he and his wife, Guyneth, relocated to Durango from Dallas where he became very involved and active in the community. Tom volunteered for Adaptive Sports Association, Durango Wildlife Museum, and served on the Edgemont Metro Board and other neighborhood associations for many years. He was a dedicated and passionate supporter of Manna Soup Kitchen and served on its board for the past five years including one year as Chairman. Tom will be remembered for his lightning-sharp wit, impeccable style, and kind, loving generous spirit. He was an excellent cook whose favorite annual event was preparing a huge traditional Thanksgiving dinner, including pies with homemade crusts. He was the consummate host and made sure there was never an empty glass. He enjoyed the outdoors and took up skiing with a fun loving and fearless determination when he moved to Colorado. Tom was a voracious reader and loved playing tennis, walking, Spring training baseball in Arizona, vacations in Florida, and all of his animals, Chuckie, Oscar “the Bun”, George and Jasper. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his only sibling, sister Gayle Williams. Tom is survived by his wife, Guyneth Zimmerman, daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Murl Householder of Tampa, FL, son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Dawn Everette of Dallas, TX, grandsons, Colin and Carter Householder of Tampa, FL, father-in-law, Lloyd Zimmerman of Malden, MO, extended family and many dear friends and aviation colleagues throughout the country. Cremation has occurred and a celebration of his life will be held Saturday, March 1, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Manna Soup Kitchen, 1100 Avenida Del Sol, Durango. Contributions in his name may be made to Manna Soup Kitchen, PO Box 1196, Durango, CO 81302.