Thomas Joel Rutter

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.