Thomas Everett Monks

Thomas ("Tom") Everett Monks, 90, beloved stepfather and grandfather, left this world on Sunday, December 30, 2018. He was born on August 17, 1928, in Baltimore, MD, to Frederick and Myrtle Monks. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Magda Maus Monks. He is survived by his stepdaughter, Rena Distasio, and step-son-in-law, Kenneth Kinlaw, of Tijeras, NM; granddaughter, Kristy Speight, her husband, Brian Speight, and their sons, Dean and Collin Speight, of Baltimore, MD; and step granddaughter, Maya Distasio, of Albuquerque, NM. He also leaves behind family in Germany: his wife, Magda's sister and brother-in-law, Gertrud and Klaus Born; their children, Claudia and Markus Born; and Claudia's son, Nicholas. A veteran of the United States Army, Tom was honorably discharged as a lieutenant. He went on to receive a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Oklahoma, and he worked for several decades as an electrical engineer at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM. A highly talented woodworker, he made by hand most of his family's furniture. He also built his and Magda's weekend home in Cuba, NM, to which they eventually retired fulltime. Over the years, Tom made many close friends, who will always remember him for his good humor, keen intelligence, and no-nonsense approach to life—not to mention his fabulous martini-making skills. Tom loved a good party, traveled widely, and enjoyed life to the fullest. He is deeply missed.