Thomas M. Buchholzer, age 84,  formerly of Hope, Arkansas,  departed his earthly body and went to be with our Lord on Tues, June 9, 2020 at 10:45 pm.   Tom enjoyed a very full, energetic life until recently, due to a battle with congestive heart failure.  Even then, he hit his challenges head on, and continued to live a happy, socially busy life at his retirement center home of Meadow Lake, Tyler, Texas.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Alora Buchholzer, and his loving wife of 61 years, Barbara Millett Buchholzer.

Tom was a very enthusiastic and resourceful person, involved in family life, church, Hope Band Boosters, loved music and enjoyed playing in the Old Smoothies, loved flipping burgers and socializing with his many customers and friends in the family-owned Dairy Diner.  It was common to see him driving around town in his little red King Midget, honking and hollering a happy word.  He loved people!! He was very patriotic, having served in the US Air Force as a young man.  Nothing brought a tear to his eye quicker than the US flag being flown.  He and his wife, Barbara were a caring Christian couple, involved in their church and raising not only their own daughters, but serving as youth counselors for the United Methodist Church. He and Barbara also loved loading up Hope band kids in their bus camper and hauling them to All-Region and All-State competitions. Many “kids” around Hope can say they were influenced by “Mr. B” in different ways.  He loved his community and also was involved in the Hope Tourism Commission for several years, helping to promote Hope watermelons and put Hope on the map.

 Tom continued his social interests after moving to Tyler, Texas in 2017, where he became an Ambassador for his retirement community at Meadow Lake, enjoyed his afternoons having coffee with the guys in the lobby, promoted camaraderie there by creating a “sing-a-long” karaoke group, and enjoyed the social games and friendships there.

He had many career involvements, from State Farm Insurance, to mobile home sales, Aamco in Texarkana, then buying the Dairy Diner and miniature golf course.  He and his wife made the first pizzas in Hope.  His “retirement” led him to antique sales and flea-marketing, then over-the-road truck driving, which he loved. He always enjoyed finding new roads and learning new things.  He finally seriously retired at 65, but never gave up a quest for new knowledge and the desire for fixing things.

Tom is survived by his daughters Lori Berry, of Frankston, Tx;  Kathy (Al) Alvizo of Flint, Tx;  Michelle (Tim) Kramer of Texas;  four grandchildren:  Thomas Gray of Midland, Tx;  Crystal Petersen of Colorado Springs, Co; Kasey (Morrison) Cleghorn of Georgetown, Tx; Kelli (Max) Rothbaum also of Georgetown; and 9 great-grandchildren; also survived by his “adopted” son Darin (Bonita) Laughard and family, of Hope, and many numerous friends both of Hope and Tyler, Texas.

Due to a Covid-conscious family, there will be no funeral services.  Tom’s wishes were cremation, and we request that friends and family share fond memories through the Brazzel-Oakcrest website.  We encourage participation in this manner as we all try to remain healthy during this challenging time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Home Place Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Boulevard, Tyler, Texas.  75701.