On September 1st, 2025, we lost a truly remarkable soul, Tom Hanger. For over 30 years, I had the privilege of knowing Tom and his beloved wife, Sandee. Tom didn’t just love Sandee, he cherished her with every fiber of his being.

Tom was one of the kindest, most godly men I have ever known. He had a heart for everyone; family, friends, and even strangers. He believed in the good in people, forgave quickly, served faithfully, and loved unconditionally.

Not only was Tom a caring and loving individual inside his home, outside he passionately loved his country. He proudly served in the Army for 4 years as an Army Medic. On his spare time after the Army, Tom created beautiful Bible boxes, tissue boxes, hope boxes and so many other works of art donated to St Judes Children's Hospital every year. With a heart so kind Tom deserves to have the things he loved and cared for so much taken care of and protected.

When I was sick and had nowhere to go, Tom and Sandee opened their home to me. For more than five years, I lived under their roof and witnessed firsthand the love-filled, Christ-centered life they shared. Tom helped walk me closer to Jesus, and I am forever changed because of him.

Even after his health forced him to stop working as a master carpenter, Tom kept giving. For years, he handcrafted 75–100 wooden boxes every single year to donate to St. Jude’s Hospital. He didn’t build for profit; he built so others could have something meaningful, often charging only for the cost of materials so people like me could pass down a treasure to our children.

Tom’s passing was sudden and unexpected. To make matters even harder, his life insurance policy was just three months shy of being fully active; leaving Sandee with only 5% of the benefit he paid into. Their checking account had just $200 when he passed. With a mortgage, bills, and only one income, Sandee is left grieving while also facing overwhelming financial uncertainty.

Sandee would never ask for help. But I am asking on her behalf.

If you’ve ever been touched by someone like Tom; or if you simply believe in paying it forward; please consider helping Sandee during this heartbreaking time. Even the smallest donation, or simply your prayers, would mean more than words can say.

Let’s give Sandee the gift of staying in the home they built with their own two hands, space and time to grieve without the crushing weight of financial fear.

Thank you for listening and may we all strive to live a little more like Tom.