Thomas G. Dehne

Thomas G. Dehne, age 81, died peacefully in the comfort of his home in Naples, FL on December 5, 2013. Tom grew up in Newport, KY and was the loving husband of Ruth (nee Zint) for 57 wonderful years. Tom was devoted to his family which included 6 children, Tom, Jr. of Naples, FL, Steve (Peggy, nee Hock), Linda (Mike) Buhr of Raleigh, NC, Jennifer (Mark) Kunkel, Debbie (Bill) Williamson of Atlanta, GA, and Denise Montfort (Charlie Alwell). He was an amazing grandfather to 15 grandchildren; Megan, Shannon and Lauren Dehne; Emily, Joe, and Elizabeth Buhr; Nick, Nate and Jake Kunkel; Grant, Logan, Colt and Dakota Williamson; Paige and Josie Montfort. Tom is also survived by his sister Mary Claire (Mike) Bridges; sister-in-law Evelyn Elfers (nee Zint) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jack, Charles, and Donald. Tom was a graduate of Covington Latin School. Later, he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corp to serve gallantly in the Korean War. As a result of wounds sustained during combat, Tom was awarded two Purple Heart medals and retired as a disabled U. S. Marine. He then attended Xavier University on the GI Bill and in 3 years earned his bachelor's degree in accounting in 1956. He began his career as an accountant with Haskin and Sells. He later accepted a position as comptroller with the Disabled American Veterans, where he advanced to become Assistant National Adjutant. He was a Kentucky Colonel, past president of the Notre Dame Academy PTA, a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Elks, and the V.F.W. Tom was appointed by President Reagan to serve as one of 13 members of the committee responsible for establishing the Korea War Memorial in Washington, D.C. Tom enjoyed 23 years of retirement in Naples, FL. He was a member of the Royal Palm Country Club where he filled his days with golf, poker, bridge, and dinner with friends. Tom was a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church, Ft. Mitchell, KY and St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Naples, FL. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church, Ft. Mitchell, KY on Friday, December 20, 2013 at 10:30 am. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 am. After the interment at St. Mary Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, the family will host a reception in the church undercroft. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.