Thomas Hettich Jr.

Thomas Hettich Jr. was a proud member of the Comanche Tribe, a U.S. military veteran, a dedicated government worker, and a devoted family man who loved nothing more than being called "Papa" by his grandkids and cheering on his favorite baseball and BYU sports teams. Thomas Hettich Jr was born March 1, 1949 in Lawton, Oklahoma to Thomas & Ada (Riddles) Hettich. He was the 4th oldest out of 11 siblings. Though born in Oklahoma, he was raised in Edison, New Jersey, where he graduated from Edison High School before moving to Utah to attend BYU-Provo. It was during his years in New Jersey, watching games alongside his father, Thomas developed a lifelong passion for baseball and the New York Yankees-a love for the game that stayed with him and became something he actively shared with his own children and grandchildren.

He later moved to Provo, Utah to pursue his higher education and graduated from BYU-Provo with a Bachelor's Degree in History, where he would meet Linda Goldtooth, his sweetheart who would become his devoted wife of 52 years. Thomas was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout his life, he dedicated his time and talents to the Church, holding many callings that allowed him to share his faith, uplift and minister to those around him.

Thomas's dedicated government career began after graduating, accepting a job with IHS- Indian Health Services, which relocated him to Billings, Montana, for five years. Thomas then accepted a new career journey, moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico, a move that would define his future and build a lasting legacy, raising his two children, Michael and Ashlee and making it his longtime home of 45 years. Concluding his career, he took a final position in Human Resources with the BIA-Bureau of Indian Affairs and BIE-Bureau of Indian Education, retiring after a total of 42 years of dedicated government service.

Thomas's service to his community and country started at the young age of 21, showcasing the true character and dedication that would define his entire life. Over the course of just shy of 35 years, he honorably served in the United States Army, Army Reserve, Montana National Guard, and the New Mexico National Guard, continually furthering his knowledge through military education. He ultimately retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) in the New Mexico Army National Guard. His career was defined by duty; he answered the call whenever he was activated or deployed, selflessly serving his country abroad and protecting his community at home, notably being activated to serve during Hurricane Katrina.

Beyond his distinguished professional and military career, Thomas was a man of deep passions and a devoted family patriarch. He loved almost all sports-including baseball, basketball, bowling, golf, and fishing-but held a special place in his heart for BYU sports. An exceptional teacher, he loved sharing his athletic knowledge with his children and grandchildren. He was their absolute biggest fan, never missing a chance to cheer them on at their sporting events or their first day of school. Thomas was a father figure to so many, holding an immense love for his family, siblings, and friends. An avid movie enthusiast and a true history buff, he spent a lifetime learning and deeply loved sharing the history, stories, and personal experiences he acquired along the way. Though he carried multiple heavy responsibilities and maintained a highly professional demeanor, those closest to him knew and cherished his fun, silly side. Following a 3 year courageous and hard-fought battle with CMML-Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia, Thomas passed away peacefully on November 2, 2026 at the age of 77, with his wife, Linda, and their two children, Michael Hettich and Ashlee Paxton, and family right by his side.

Thomas was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Hettich; his mother, Ada (Riddles) Hettich; and his sister, Rosemary Anderson. He is survived by his wife, Linda Ann (Goldtooth) Hettich; his son, Michael Hettich; and his daughter, Ashlee (Hettich) Paxton. He leaves behind his two cherished grandsons, Michael and Kayden Paxton, who proudly called him "Papa."

Thomas is also survived by his loving siblings: Grant (Arlene) Williams, Kitty (Rick) Hughes, Jane (Bill) Bridge, Carl Hettich, Tony Hettich, Richard (Lisa) Hettich, Adam Hettich, Rebecca Hettich, and April (Ken) Allen, as well as a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

We would like to invite all those whose lives were touched by Thomas to the funeral services on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6000 Kachina St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. A public viewing will be held from 9:00 am-10:00 am with services to follow from 10:30 am-12:00 pm. Following the service, Thomas will be laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00 pm. In honor of Thomas's connection to the military, the family requests that all active duty and retired service members wear their uniforms.

Lastly, the family would like to share their sincere appreciation for the dedicated teams who walked alongside Thomas over the past three years. We extend our deepest gratitude to Indian Health Services, the doctors, nurses, and staff at the UNM Cancer Center, the UNM Hospitals Oncology and Hematology teams, and the Bosque Trails hospice care team for their exceptional care, kindness, and support throughout his cancer journey.

Services will be live streamed

Website: https://local.churchofjesuschrist.org/en/us/nm/albuquerque/6000-kachina-street-northwest