Obituary

Tommy Lee Gumm, age 70 of Phoenix, Arizona, died December 16, 2020. He was born February 16, 1950 to Edward Frankie Gumm and Martha Luella Gumm in Wichita, Kansas. His personality will surely be missed by many as he took great joy in making others laugh. His purpose in life was to make others happy, always offering a hand when needed. He guided, mentored, and influenced many lives along his 70-year journey as a husband, father, and most importantly a friend.

Tommy’s work ethic was evident until his final days, he worked hard and never quit.  He had a career in the airline industry for over 50 years, recently retiring from American Airlines as an inventory specialist. His passion as an aircraft worker gave him great pride and he often spoke of working on the first 747 for Boeing in the late 60’s where he started his career in Seattle, Washington.

As a father, he always guided his children to be respectful and to understand the big picture in life. He made sure his children were cared for and deeply loved, he was not afraid to tell you that he loved you and how proud he was of you. His love poured over into his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren as he really enjoyed being “grandpa”.

Tommy had multiple interests and hobbies over the years. Coaching baseball, photography, woodworking, airshows, Seattle Seahawks, road trips to the mountains, camping and spending time with family were among his favorites. The wood working brought him so much happiness watching the excitement it brought to others. To him, the enthusiasm of a kid receiving one of his wooden trains was payment enough. He was not much of a businessman as he gave away most of his toys over the years.

A final message from Tommy Gumm to all who loved him, “Smile and Remember Me”,  “Go HAWKS!”

Tommy is survived by his wife Jessica Gumm; his Daughter Kristol Gumm; his sons Tommy & Danny Gumm; His Sister Martha Ann Gumm; and his Brother Edwin Jerry Gumm; 10 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren; and so many others who loved and respected him as a family-man.

A visitation will be held at 10:00AM on Saturday, January 2, 2020 at Skyway Church, 14900 W Van Buren St, in Goodyear, AZ. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 11:00AM and burial services will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 10045 W. Thomas Rd. in Avondale, AZ following the funeral at 12:30PM.

If anyone would like to send flowers for the services it is recommended that they go through Thompson Flower Shop (623) 932-0531, in order to ensure that the flowers make it to the service in a timely manner.