Thomas Odell Mueller

Thomas Odell Mueller, 89, a resident of Fort Worth, TX, formerly of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on February 9, 2021.

The eldest of four children, Tom was born on October 1, 1931 in Toledo, Ohio, to Louis and Bonney Mueller. The family settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico in the 1940s.

Tom attended Santa Fe public schools and graduated from the University of New Mexico. A graduate of the Army Language School in Monterey, California, he specialized in Russian language and was stationed in Turkey during the Korean War.

After returning home to continue his education at UNM, he met and married Jean Ann Woodmansee in 1957. He attended one year of law school, and then Tom rejoined the electrical trade he had been introduced to by his father as a young man. He was hired as an engineer for Reynolds and CHR Electric, which took the young family to many cities before they returned to their beloved Albuquerque. Obtaining his contractor’s license, he owned Electrical Maintenance and Service Company (EMSCO).

Tom loved adventure and told great tales. His lifelong dream was to soar the skies and he learned to fly at a very young age and had his pilot’s license before he could drive. He was involved with many pilot organizations, including the Civil Air Patrol of New Mexico, and the Albuquerque Soaring Club, where he was a tow pilot and glider pilot. He was a proud member of the Masons at the Montezuma Lodge No 1 A. F. & A.M. in Santa Fe. Their home church was Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Tom retired at 75 and he enjoyed a retirement full of flying, traveling to visit loved ones, and resting up after a long life of providing so beautifully for his family.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Jean, their three children, Christine Penfold of Albuquerque, Mark Mueller of Fort Worth, and Jana Acciacca of Huntington Beach. The couple had nine grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

A family memorial service was held February 13th. A formal graveside service will be held at a later date at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.