Thomas Benjamin Haythorn

It is with great sadness we announce Thomas Benjamin Haythorn passed away unexpectedly on March 16, 2025. Thom was born May 24, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph "Willis" and Barbara Glew Haythorn. He was an adoring husband, father and Gramps. He was meticulously organized and always sought out ways to spoil his family. He was generous in providing advice to family and friends and a trusted confidant to those around him.

Thom was an avid reader, and he greatly enjoyed a wide variety of interests, including the Boy Scouts, investing, traveling the world and serving his community. He loved to be active in nature and was fond of bicycling, swimming, hiking, tennis and sailing.

One of his favorite sayings was, “you shouldn’t be a taker, you should always give” and that’s what Thom did. He was heavily involved in the community throughout his life no matter where he was. While he was stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, FL, Thom served as President of the Junior Officer Council. In Alpharetta, GA, he volunteered his time by serving as President of the Homeowners Association Board for many years. When the family moved to Madison, AL, Thom continued to give back by acting as a Stephen’s Ministry representative for Asbury Church as well as serving as the Committee Chair for Cub Scout Pack 83 and the Eagle Scout Coordinator for Boy Scout Troop 350. He always made time to attend the Veteran’s Day Parade at his grandchildren’s school and assisted with the STEM events. His passion for scouting could be seen on his multiple trips to Philmont, both as a child and as an adult. These are just a few examples of his lifelong commitment to community involvement.

Thom also served his country in the United States Air Force. He retired from the service as a Colonel, spending a combined 30 years between active duty and the Reserves. He participated in many programs and received many accolades during his service.

Thom enjoyed a long and illustrious career at the Boeing Company. He started with them in Georgia and transferred to Huntsville in 2004. Though the loved his job and the friends he made there, he finally retired in 2021 and remained in Madison with his family.

Thom was a goal-oriented man with a golden heart who valued education. He received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Southern Methodist University, a Master in Business Administration from Southern Methodist University, a Master of Science in Systems Management from University of Southern California, and a Doctorate in Philosophy in Organization Management from Capella University. He was often known as one of the smartest men that anyone had met but was also so humble that you would never know.

He was preceded in death by his son, Benjamin Andrew Haythorn, his father and mother Joseph "Willis" and Barbara Glew Haythorn. He is survived by his wife Shirlana Haythorn, his daughter Mary Zappe, son-in-law Richard Zappe, grandchildren Charlotte and Oliver, his brother and sister-in-law J. Denny and Lori Haythorn and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Legacy Funeral Home and Crematorium on April 3, 2025. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM and the Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00 AM. A burial service will occur at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Philmont Scout Ranch (https://philstaff.org/page/TheAnnualFund), Maintenance/Fire Prevention at Philmont (https://donations.scouting.org/#/council/NCFD/appeal/5552), or a charity of your choice.