Thomas “Tom” Wesley Lingafelt

Thomas “Tom” Wesley Lingafelt, 89, gained his heavenly wings on Thursday, January 28, 2021.  Born in Burke County on March 15, 1931, he was the son of the late Thomas Oscar Lingafelt and Ruth Lingafelt Curtis.  After 64 years of marriage to his late wife, Glenda Stroupe Lingafelt, birthdays were always special.  This was the first year they would be apart on her birthday.  Instead, he entered into heaven on her birthday to celebrate with her.

In addition to his parents and wife, Tom was preceded in death by a brother, Darwin Lingafelt; half-sister, Mae Ferguson; and half-brothers, Dean and Buford Curtis.

In June 1948, Tom joined the Army at the age of 17.  During a training exercise, a blast killed everyone in his platoon except for him.  Due to a shortage of manpower, he was sent to Korea despite his extensive injuries.  Tom fought in all three major battles of the Korean War.  He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, five Bronze Service Stars, and the Presidential Unit Citation.  On July 27, 2013, he received an Appreciation Medal from the President of the Republic of Korea.  The medal was crafted from pieces of DMZ barbed wire fence.  The note with the medal stated: “You were willing to give your own life to guard the lives of those whom you had never met and defend the freedom of a land on which you had never set foot.”

After his discharge from the Army, Tom married and began working in the oil fields in California.  He held many positions in the oil industry and worked in Trinidad and Alaska.  In 1997 he retired and moved to Florida before returning to Morganton be closer to his family.  He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and dominoes.  Tom had an infectious smile and was loved by everyone who knew him.  He was always an optimist about life, even during this pandemic when he was isolated from his family and friends.  He was a member of Catawba Valley Baptist Church.

Tom is survived by his sons, Douglas Lingafelt (Lauri) of Soldotna, AK, Greg Lingafelt of Apopka, FL, and Raymond Lingafelt (Julie) of Summerville, SC; grandsons, William, John, Mark, and Jared Lingafelt; great-grandsons, Tyler and Zane Lingafelt; great-great-grandson, Oakley Lingafelt; sisters, Ruby Wood and Gladys Chapman; half-brother, Ray, Clyde, Bob, and Charles Curtis; half-sister, Pat Huntley (Larry); step-brother, Ralph Curtis; sisters-in-law, Betty Lingafelt and Jean Powell; special nephew, John T. Wilson (Sarah); canine companion, Molly; special friend, Lib McFalls; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom will be available for viewing from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.  The funeral will follow at 12 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Jeff Beach officiating.  Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park with military honors provided by the NC National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Catawba Valley Baptist Church.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Autumn Care of Drexel and Burke Dialysis Center for their excellent care of Tom.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.