Thomas Paul Schuette
January 10, 1945 ~ August 6, 2024
Thomas Paul Schuette, 79, of St. Augustine, FL passed away on August 6, 2024.
Tom Schuette lived a life that will be remembered. Both his physical stature and how he did things were larger than life. The best way to describe Tom’s life is Hemingway-esque: He rode donkeys in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica and elephants in Thailand, he once owned a racehorse, he was featured on a cooking show where he made his signature huevos rancheros, and he even flew a plane under the 312 Bridge in St. Augustine. Tom was a First-Team All-American football player, a professional football player, an amazing family man, a successful real estate investor, bartender, pilot, sailor, school teacher, dog lover, and most importantly, a good friend to all.
As a young boy, Tom wanted to be a professional football player when he grew up. Through a very determined work ethic, Tom was able to live his dream by playing 11 years in the Canadian Football League and winning 4 Grey Cup championships with the Ottawa Rough Riders. ESPN The Magazine listed Tom as one of the Top 54 players of all-time to play football at Indiana University.
After retiring from football, Tom moved to St. Augustine where he continued to live life all out for the rest of his life. Tom tended bar for over 30 years and those that had the pleasure to be served by Tom knew it was something special. Tom possessed many amazing qualities that drew people to him and made him a lifelong friend.
Tom treated everyone the same (with respect and a friendly smile) independent of one’s socioeconomic background, race, religion, or age. He was a very humble person and was more interested in talking about someone else’s achievements versus his own. Tom was a defender of those that couldn’t defend themselves and a champion of children. He was a true friend and he always had your back. Tom was the quintessential gentle giant.
Tom’s appetite for life may have only been eclipsed by his appetite for food. He was a hippy at heart in that he always wanted everyone to get along and he wasn’t a big fan of clothing. He was an amazing family man and he will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Recently, Tom was asked how he wanted to be remembered in this life and he simply said, “as a good person”. Tom was a GREAT person. Tom wouldn’t want anyone to be sad about his passing, but would instead encourage everyone to remember one of his many funny stories, be good to each other, and live the life you want to live.
Please contact the family for details on the upcoming Celebration of Life, where the attire is casual, just at Tom would have liked it.
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Schuette family.
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Wow… thats all you can say after meeting Mayor Tom and the same thing you say after every time you see him. He was a mountain of a man with the biggest heart God could put into one person. I consider it an honor to have been able to know Tom and call him a friend. He was an instant friend to everyone he met and treated everyone with the same dignity and respect. He instilled the same values in his son Josh, so it almost feels like to know Josh is to know Tom. We love him, we’ll miss him, but also know hhhe’ll always be here with us, in his cargo shorts and white tee shirt. Love you Tom!!
The man Tom raised; an extraordinary human being, just like himself. The least I could say is thank you for teaching your son Josh how to be as you wished yourself to be, a good person. I may have never met you, but your son is a brother to me and a mentor. Knowing that you are his father must mean you were someone truly spectacular. Thank you for all you did in life Tom, rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Declan Graham.
I will always remember my Uncle Tom as such a special caring man! I remember when him and Josh took me out for lunch in Collinsville! I was able to watch him play football live in Canada back in 1977; Such special memories I will never forget!
I will always remember my Uncle Tom as such a special caring man! I remember when him and Josh took me out for lunch in Collinsville! I was able to watch him play football live in Canada back in 1977; Such special memories I will never forget!
Tom was my Nextdoor friend when he moved to town in the early seventies. We sailed,skied,lifted, ran, traveled, partied, renovated houses and enjoyed many many meals together! We both loved to eat! I’m sure going to miss my good old friend. My deepest condolences and love goes out to Leslie, Tanya, Josh and family. RIP ❤️
I remember the first time I met Josh‘s dad. I thought he was someone else’s dad I was confused and I was like Josh and then this big man huge was Josh’s dad and from that day on it became Josh? Josh‘s dad? He was a mountain of a man and a really great guy. if children are reflection of their parents then I’m sure Josh’s dad was a great man!!
Tom all the laughter and fun you gave us all ! There was always a big smile and lots of hugs everytime our paths crossed.i feel so grateful for your friendship all those years .You will be so missed but so many memories of you will always be with us all .love to your beautiful family
A kind soul gone too soon…I have countless memories of Tom’s stories of his times playing football in Canada when I told him my mother lives in Canada. Tom was my mother-in-law’s neighbor on bridge street and it was always a pleasure to see him and chat with him. Tom was family to us. He was at my wedding, birthday parties and most of our family gatherings. He will be greatly missed.
Thank you Tom for being an amazing guy.
Tom had such a heart of gold! He was a friend to all and I'm so proud to have him as my uncle! I remember him and Josh taking me to lunch when they came back to Illinois for a visit! I had the privilege of being able to visit him in 1977 when he lived in Canada and went to one of his football games! He will be greatly missed!
Tom had such a heart of gold! He was a friend to all and I'm so proud to have him as my uncle! I remember him and Josh taking me to lunch when they came back to Illinois for a visit! I had the privilege of being able to visit him in 1977 when he lived in Canada and went to one of his football games! He will be greatly missed!
I never had the honor of meeting you. Your son is just like you! His impact on everyone is life lasting. He’s like a blood brother to me and is a true man’s man and legend! No doubt he will continue to make you proud, stay legendary, and continue to impact lives!
Tom was so great! He made me a better man! I practiced against Tom everyday in Ottawa. He only had one speed..wide open! He made me a better man and player. On Road trips we would go out and eat. At the hotel in Toronto they had an all you could eat buffet. They were in trouble. That night they had crab legs….he ate em all. On another night in Calgary they had a 32 oz steak if you ate it all it was free..and yes for Tom it was free..Tom will be dearly missed!! I was so happy to hear from his pastor at his celebration of life that he was saved and is with Jesus! We will see him again!! Thank you Tom for sharing a small part of your life with me!!! I will see you soon. We are told in the bible life is but a mist short but eternity is forever..it's so great to know we will see you again!! I can't wait for that moment! And spending eternity with you…Rest in peace and we will see you soon!
I don’t know what prompted me to search for Tom the other day. Perhaps because IU was setting up a renewal of former players recruited by Coach Phil Dickens. I was saddened by what I found. Tom and I played football at Indiana. We became really good friends. As it turned out Tom and I were from Illinois, we both played next to each other in the line and we were part of a small group that knew how enhance our skills by lifting weights. Weight training just wasn’t done back then. Tom and I were roommates several times. We shared a lot over the years at IU. Tom was a very good friend. I’m sorry we will never share each other’s company again. I will cherish our friendship forever.
I don’t know what prompted me to search for Tom the other day. Perhaps because IU was setting up a renewal of former players recruited by Coach Phil Dickens. I was saddened by what I found. Tom and I played football at Indiana. We became really good friends. As it turned out Tom and I were from Illinois, we both played next to each other in the line and we were part of a small group that knew how enhance our skills by lifting weights. Weight training just wasn’t done back then. Tom and I were roommates several times. We shared a lot over the years at IU. Tom was a very good friend. I’m sorry we will never share each other’s company again. I will cherish our friendship forever.
Watching a rare football game tonight thought about you Tom. Sorry to see you go, it was a pleasure to knowing you and your totally cool family. Rest gently.
So sorry to learn of Tom’s passing today. Broke my heart. Another great one gone too soon. Hope you found Ray Nettles when you got to heaven as I know y’all have many memories to share. RIP.