Thomas Joel Rutter
February 20, 1974 ~ October 17, 2025
Born in:
Jeonju, South Korea
Resided in:
Schertz, Texas
Thomas Joel Rutter, 51, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on October 17, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
He was born on February 20, 1974, in Jeonju, South Korea, to William Rutter and Mun Mar Yun. As a proud Air Force brat, Thomas spent his childhood living in many places around the world, including Japan, where he attended Yokota High School. He had a lifelong passion for baseball and skateboarding, interests that followed him wherever he went.
After graduating high school, Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1992. During his time in the military, he served in several roles, including Airborne and Communications. His service took him to Camp Carroll, Korea, where his life changed forever on March 10, 1995 — the day he met the love of his life, Denise. They married a year later and went on to build a beautiful life together, raising two beloved daughters, Nikole and Samantha.
Thomas had a deep and abiding love for animals, especially those in need. Over the years, he rescued many, including five of the seven pets his family currently has. His gentle nature and big heart were evident in every animal he saved and cared for.
After years of gentle (and sometimes relentless) persuasion by Denise and the girls, Thomas also became an adoring Disney fan — a love that brought the family countless joyful memories, movie nights, and theme park adventures.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry, and his sister, Jennifer.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM at MeadowLawn Funeral Home, 5611 E. Houston Street, San Antonio, TX.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to SARA (Society for Animal Rescue and Adoption) here in San Antonio at sarasanctuary.org, a cause close to Thomas’s heart.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the ICU nurses at UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital for their exceptional care and support during Thomas’s final two weeks.
Services
Visitation: October 24, 2025 5:00 pm
MeadowLawn Chapel
5611 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX United States
78220
www.meadowlawnmemorialpark.com
Funeral Service: October 25, 2025 10:00 am
MeadowLawn Chapel
5611 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX United States
78220
www.meadowlawnmemorialpark.com
Cemetery:
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd.
San Antonio, TX United States
78209
View current weather.
Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Thomas Joel Rutter 's name.
SARA (Society for Animal Rescue and Adoption)
sarasanctuary.org
San Antonio,
Texas
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I’m so sorry for your loss. I did not know Tom but I feel like I do through Denise. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
My heart breaks for all of you with the loss of such a wonderful man. Please know you have my sympathy and you are in my prayers. Love to all of you.
It breaks my heart to hear the sad news of Tom’s passing. I am praying for your strength and peace through these trying days and the days to come. May faith, family and friends provide you the support and comfort you need at this time
Dear Tom, you are a truly a remarkable man, your mom and dad will miss you every day for the of our life. Rest in Peace, our be loving son.
Nikole and Family, my heartfelt condolences … heavy sigh … While I only met your Dad that one time (husband for your Mom), I remember him being very upbeat and the video tribute this evening was beautiful and gave me a real sense of his life and all he accomplished in such a short time, each of you, know doubt, being his greatest love. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, Andrew Reichert