Colonel Thomas (Tom) Derrick Accola (Ret) was born July 21, 1947 to Jacob and Mary Accola in Champaign, Illinois. In Tom’s youth, his father served as an officer in the US Air Force; their family enjoyed tours in Hawaii, England, Illinois, and Nebraska. Tom graduated from the American High School in London, England; he then joined ROTC and earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Northern Colorado. Following graduation, Tom entered the Air Force in September 1969 and was assigned to the Weather unit, thus following his father’s footsteps. Tom later earned his Master’s Degree in Political Science at Auburn University.

Tom’s US Air Force career took him to Thailand, Illinois, Texas, Virginia, Germany, and Nebraska. During his USAF career, Tom received many decorations including the Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Tom retired from active duty out of Offutt AFB in Nebraska in 1999.

After retiring from the Air Force, Tom worked ten years at Harris Corporation on weather related programs. In 2004, he married Brenda Meyer and moved to West Melbourne, Florida. During their twenty years of marriage, Tom and Brenda enjoyed many activities including going to the beach, exploring Disney, eating out, or entertaining at their home. Tom and Brenda both loved to travel; their many trips included Hawaii (Kauai was Tom’s favorite), Lake Tahoe, Newport Coast, the Black Hills, San Antonio, Washington DC, Seattle, the Northeast, Canadian Rockies, Cancun, Germany, Ireland, and Beijing. They also enjoyed Cruises to Alaska, the Panama Canal, the Bahamas, and Cuba. Tom also enjoyed fishing, especially fishing trips to Guatemala and Alaska.

Tom was active in many community organizations. He served on the Pastoral Call Committee at Peace Lutheran Church and as the Church Council President. Tom and Brenda also served as co-Lay Directors of the Indian River Via de Cristo which held weekend retreats to develop Christian leaders; Tom served as Rector for two of these weekends and was on many teams. In addition, as the reunion chairman for the Air Force Weather Association, Tom planned and hosted several biennial reunions.

Tom was a people person and enjoyed visiting everyone he met. He had stories on any subject and especially enjoyed providing wisdom to young adults. He was a kind, generous man; always willing to help others. He will be missed by many.

In addition to his wife, Brenda, Tom is survived by sons TJ (Chantel) and Paul, both of Denver, CO, sister Robin, sister-in-law Marlene, sister-in-law Stephanie (Dean), brother-in-law Steve (Caroline), mother-in-law Lenora, and nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents, brother John, and father-in-law Edwin.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Peace Lutheran Church or Indian River Via de Cristo.