Thomas ‘Tom’ Netherton Obituary: 70-year-old Thomas H. Netherton Jr. passed away on January 7, 2018, at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. He had contracted the flu, which eventually progressed into pneumonia, which ultimately resulted in his death. Tom was born on January 11, 1947, in Munich, Germany, to his parents, Major Thomas H. Netherton, Sr. and Lillian Christensen Netherton. He spent his childhood in Bloomington, Minnesota, where his family eventually settled after his father retired from the Army.
While the United States was engaged in the Vietnam War, Tom Jr. joined the United States Army and completed his basic training in Fort Bliss, Texas. Not only did he receive the Spirit of Honour Medal for excellent leadership, which is only presented to one guy in the Brigade, but he also received the excellent Trainee of the Cycle honor. Tom was fortunate enough to be accepted into Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, Georgia after he successfully completed Advanced Infantry Training.
Following a grueling and difficult period of twelve weeks, Tom was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He was then dispatched to Panama, where he served as the commander of the 1542 Infantry Unit. Eventually, he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. While Tom was stationed in Panama, he frequently sang for the soldiers, and his performances were carried on Voice of America, which is the non-military radio network of the United States Army. Following the completion of his military service and getting an honorable discharge, Tom pursued his interest in music and started a career as a singer.
His remarkable vocal talent resulted in him being invited to try out for a role with Lawrence Welk. During that audition, he went on to have a successful singing and recording career in the Christian music industry, which included thirteen record albums and a published autobiography titled “In the Morning of My Life.” Additionally, he had a long run on the Lawrence Welk Show. He was able to cultivate a substantial and devoted fan base that continues to exist to this day, and many members of the Welk family have referred to him as one of their most cherished celebrities.
His mother, Lillian Netherton, his brother Brad Netherton, who is married to Paula, and his sisters Julie Kobielush and Wendy Siebold are among those who are left behind after Tom’s passing. Tom’s wit, contagious sense of humour, and generous nature are cherished by those who knew him and enjoy the innumerable personal memories they have of him. His life was lived to the fullest, and he was a man of profound Christian faith who is now in the presence of eternal peace. He was a man who lived life to the fullest.
