Thomas R. Ulmer

Thomas Ronald Ulmer, a proud veteran, devoted family man, writer, and lifelong public servant, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, at the age of 91. He was born on April 28, 1934, in State College, Pennsylvania, to Floyd Melvin Ulmer and Anne Mae Fulton.

After graduating from State College High School, Thomas worked alongside his father in the construction industry. His time in that field was cut short after a serious back injury, which ultimately led him to pursue a career of distinguished military and public service.

Thomas served 21 years in the United States Air Force. He began as a radio technician on the System Performance Test Team (SPTT), where he helped test radar sites across the Defense Air Defense Sector (DADS) and worked on the IBM AN/FSQ-7—still recognized as the largest computer ever built. He later cross-trained into Cryptographic Maintenance, a specialty he held for the remainder of his military career. He retired with the rank of Master Sergeant, having honorably served during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Following his military retirement, Thomas continued his service to the nation for 18 years at the National Security Agency (NSA), applying his technical expertise to national defense.

In retirement, Thomas was deeply involved in his community. He was an enthusiastic member of the Ocala Boat Club, where he served for many years as Cruise Master and on the board. He also volunteered with the Marion County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) Foundation, serving as a board member and helping to raise funds for programs that supported law enforcement and public safety.

Thomas was a man of many passions. He was a published author of two books and was working on his third at the time of his passing. He was also a talented woodcarver, an avid cook, and a world traveler who loved exploring new places and cultures with his wife, Janice.

Thomas was preceded in death by his siblings: Jacqueline Phyllis Hallien, Barbara Jean Koon, Mary Lee Youtzy, Margorie Dawn Dionisio, and Kaye Norman Ulmer.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janice Marie Ulmer; his son and daughter-in-law, David and Maria Ulmer; his grandsons, Jack Fyall (and wife LaRheta) and Thomas Lee Ulmer; his granddaughter, Kristen Cardwell; and his great-granddaughters, Azlynn, Rayna, and Loxlee Fyall.

A funeral service will be held at:

Hiers-Baxley Funeral & Cremation Life Event Center – Buffalo Ridge 3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, Florida on Thursday, August 14 from 10am-12pm, followed by a committal service at Florida National Cemetery at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Thomas’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at Tunnel to Towers Foundation.