Tom Minzak

Thomas Joseph Minzak was born August 1, 1952 in Sewickley, Pennsylvania to Andrew Minzak and Margaret Martinka Minzak. Tom was the fifth of six children, the youngest son. Growing up in Aliquippa, PA, Tom played football, basketball, and baseball from age 8. After graduating from Hopewell High School in 1970, Tom went to NM State University on a full football scholarship. It was in Las Cruces, New Mexico, that Tom saw Deb standing by a fence, and he walked up and said, “Hey”, in a way that only Tom could do it. Tom graduated in December 1974 with a degree in Marketing and Management. Deb graduated in May 1975. They were married August 16, 1975 and would have celebrated their 50th anniversary this year. Tom and Deb have two sons, TK born in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, Scott born in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Tom was working part time at Montgomery Wards in Denver when a man came in to buy a weed eater and left with a new lawn mower and all new lawn tools. As he was leaving, he gave Tom his card and told Tom to call him. He had a sales position for him. That was the beginning of Tom’s career in heavy construction equipment sales, rentals, and appraisals. While working for Caterpillar for many years, Tom was one of the early leaders in the Cat Rent-to-Rent Program. He made many lifelong friends in this industry. Friends he valued and loved.

Tom and Deb spent hours and hours at the ball fields with TK and Scott. Tom coached many games, but his favorite pastime was sideline or bleacher officiating, especially with his friend, Larry Day. After one of TK’s basketball games, the middle school Vice Principal was at the door and congratulated TK on his game, then she said, “Now, if we could only do something about your dad!”

Tom was the coolest dad and a favorite on the weekends because on Saturday mornings, Scott and TK got to take their friends to work with Tom and they would get to play on the dozers and backhoes and sometimes even ride with Tom while he operated the equipment. Tom was so funny and adventurous and not that concerned about danger. He used to tell Deb to stop worrying, “They’re just playing and being adventurous boys! Let ‘em play!”

Tom was so proud of TK when in 2004 TK was commissioned as an Air Force C-17 Pilot. Tom was equally proud of Scott when he joined Tom in the equipment business in 2004. He watched his sons grow into incredible men and loved them with his whole heart. As much as Tom loved his sons, he loved and was blessed with a very special daughter in law, Janie. Tom was a jokester and a wise guy, but when Janie joined the family, he met his match in sweet Janie. He loved her as if she was his own daughter. Tom was Pops or PopsZBoy to three precious grandkids, Bekah, Weston, and Ethan. They were the light of his life.

In 2006, Tom and Deb moved to Belton, where Tom continued to buy and sell equipment through TDM Machinery and Appraisal, Inc. Tom continued to love sharing and giving to others who were struggling. While living in Belton, he volunteered many hours at Feed My Sheep and at Helping Hands Ministry. Somewhere around 2008, he became a volunteer who did Wednesday night Bible study at the Hughes Prison Unit in Gatesville Correctional Facility. He loved those men in the Faith Dorm and they loved him. Outside of his family, this was the most significant time of his life, loving these men and receiving their love for him.

It was also here in Belton that he met his golf buddy Keith. There are so many funny Keith and Tom stories Tom would tell, and they were probably mostly true! He also met his other buddy Chris. Tom and Chris laughed together, talked politics together, made fun of each other’s sports teams, but most of all, shared their love of Christ together.

Tom and Deb loved each other for over 50 years. Tom loved Deb and Deb loved Tom. They loved their kids, their friends, and their Lord. Tom’s life was a gift shared.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Minzak and Margaret Martinka Minzak, two brothers, John Minzak and Ed Minzak, and one sister, Margie Minzak.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Debra, his two sons, TK and Scott and Scott’s wife, Janie, his grandchildren, Bekah, Weston, and Ethan all of whom were a source of immeasurable joy to Tom. They all cherished their father’s guidance and his love. He is also survived by two sisters, Catherine Oros and Gina Falick and her husband Tim, sister-in-law Linda Minzak, sister-in-law An Buchhagen, brother-in-law Chuck Weston, plus many nieces and nephews.

A friends and family gathering to remember Tom’s life will be held Thursday, March 13, 2025, 5-8 pm at 530 Kings Cove, Belton.

Tom’s memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, March 14, 2025 at First Baptist Belton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Tom’s name to the Boston University CTE Research Center or to First Baptist Belton All In Building Fund.

A special thank you to Dr. Fasolino, Dr. Nikolaidis, Dr. Goraya and their staffs. They loved and cared so well for Tom through these past years. Also, thank you to Gentiva Hospice for their loving care for Tom and Deb these last days of Tom’s earthly life. They were a blessing.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donation be made in Tom's name to the Boston University CTE research center," Click here to Donate " or to the First Baptist Church of Belton, building fund." Click here to donate to First Baptist Church of Belton "