Thomas R. Heddinghaus, PhD

Thomas Robert Heddinghaus, PhD, 77, of Crofton, Maryland passed away on February 28, 2022 with his loving wife by his side.

Thomas was born on August 30, 1944 in Moberly, Missouri to Albert and Amelia (Sander) Heddinghaus. He was the third of seven siblings: Jim (Patsy), Ann (Robert) Zink, Bill, Linda (Bob) Elkow, Carol (James Russell), and Beth (Jerry) Minor.

He is predeceased by his parents and his older brother Jim.

Growing up, Tom enjoyed boating, waterskiing, camping, and canoeing with family and friends. He always loved children, and was the favorite uncle of many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Tom enjoyed sports, both participating and watching.  Many Sundays were spent watching the Cardinals baseball with his father Albert, while enjoying cigars and a six-pack.  Tom was an avid runner and participated in many Marine Corps Marathons. He also enjoyed reading, history, geography and traveling.

Tom joined the Army in 1967 and served honorably in Vietnam.  After returning home, he earned his Bachelor, Masters, and PhD in Atmospheric Science from the University of Missouri.  In 1974, as a graduate student, he was selected to be a member of the prestigious GATE weather research project in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. Tom worked his entire career for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), retiring in 2008.

Tom attended every sporting event that his grandson, William (Billy) Nolan participated in from elementary school through college. He was lovingly known by all of Billy’s family and friends as Papa. He was a gentle soul with an infectious smile as well as a loving and giving heart. His family meant the world to him. He had a great love for all of the family dogs constantly sneaking them treats and taking them on long walks.

He is survived by his devoted wife Gail Heddinghaus, his beloved daughter Michele Nolan (Charles Blankenbaker), his adoring grandson William Nolan, Jr. and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Patricia Clemente (Sam), Jane Piatt and Myrtie Bartel (Robert).

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake at www.hospicechesapeake.org.