Thomas "Tom" Edward Wren

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Edward Wren, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend, who left this world on June 7, 2025, at the age of 70. Born on February 23, 1955, in St. Louis, Missouri, Tom was the cherished son of Charles and Catherine Wren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Terry Smith, and his nephew Butch Wren.

Tom’s journey through life was marked by a deep commitment to his family, his country, and his community. He was married to the love of his life, Roxane Wren (née Zeigler), on April 29, 1978, in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, forming a partnership that would last nearly five decades. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Meko Lailer of St. Louis, MO, Don Wren of Dillsburg, PA, and Christie Brandt (Dan) of Dillsburg, PA. Tom took immense pride in his family, and he leaves behind a legacy of love through his grandchildren: Savannah Lailer of Perryville, MO, Ava Paterniti, Sophia Paterniti, Natalie Paterniti, Arya Brandt, and Kylo Wren, all of Dillsburg, PA.

Tom’s dedication to service began at an early age. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1972 to 1992, where he spent two tours in Vietnam, as well as additional deployments in Lebanon, Japan, Grenada, and Cambodia. His time as an infantry unit leader was marked by valor and leadership, earning him numerous accolades, including the Humanitarian Service Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal. He retired as a Master Sergeant, carrying with him the values of honor, adaptability, resiliency, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of the Marine Corps. A true marine, Tom embodied the “Semper Fi” mentality.

After his military service, Tom continued to serve his community as the director of the Small Business Development Center through Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he worked for 12 years before retiring. He was a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) South Mountain Post 6771 and a dedicated member of the West Shore Free Church.

Outside of his professional and military accomplishments, Tom was a free spirit who embraced life to the fullest. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing trips to North Carolina and dove hunting adventures in Arizona. Tom had a passion for motorcycles and loved camping with family and friends. He devoted countless hours to coaching sports for his children, instilling in them a love for athletics and the values of sportsmanship.

Tom’s generous spirit was renowned, as he often found fulfillment in helping others. His commitment to service extended to ministering to prisoners through Prison Ministry at his church, and he was known for his humble acts of kindness, from picking up restaurant tabs for strangers to assisting the homeless in finding shelter. A natural problem-solver, he was also skilled at repairing machinery and building decks, always ready to lend a hand to friends and family.

Tom is survived by his wife, Roxane, his children, and his grandchildren, as well as his brothers, John Wren of Perry, MO, Michael Wren (Barb) of St. Louis, MO, and sister Barbara Dobbs of Warrenton, MO. The love and legacy of Thomas Edward Wren will continue to be felt by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A funeral service will be held in his honor at the West Shore Free Church on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 12:00 pm.  A viewing will be held on Friday from 10:00 am-12:00 pm, prior to the service. Burial with full military honors will be held at a later date at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Prison Fellowship https://www.prisonfellowship.org or Shriner's Children's Hospital https://donate.lovetotherescue.org in Tom’s memory.

Tom Wren was a man who lived his life with a heart of gold, embodying the spirit of service and compassion. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten, as his legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering dedication will continue to inspire all those whose lives he touched.