Thomas Allan Unger's Obituary
Thomas Allan Unger, son of Steve and Lynette, brother of Andy (Emily), was a gift of God to his family and the world. His birth in Cherry Point, NC on April 4, 2001 was an exciting event which almost took his life and that of his mother. His childhood nickname, “Danger-Boy” was well-earned right from the beginning. Friends will remember that throughout his childhood he was well-known for quick disappearances, dangerous jumps, scaling amazing heights, and daring escapades. Although the heart-stopping nature and number of these events slowed as he got older, even as a teenager he loved to frighten his mother by running to the very edge and leaning out over chasms. Oh, the stories we could tell.
Because his father was in the Navy, Thomas’s life was one of moving often and of traveling with his family. Thomas lived in North Carolina, Virginia (twice), Hawaii, California, and Arkansas. His favorite was, of course, Hawaii. Taking advantage of military travel opportunities, he had visited most countries in Europe and several in Asia and Africa in his short life. In the midst of travel he would often complain about going, but would later regale his friends with tales of his adventures. He was looking forward to seeing even more of the world as an adult.
Thomas was extremely bright but did not like academic things, ever. He did, however, like homeschooling and the freedom and flexibility it gave us. He also loved doing things together as a family and staying home. He showed an early propensity for art and music which took him in non-traditional directions. He loved technology and began making movies with friends in third grade. In middle school he began creating original digital music, which ultimately became his biggest passion in life. He spent many happy hours as a teenager crafting original music compositions and “mashing up” works by other people. He had in innate ability to hear music in his head and spend all the time it took to craft it in digital form. Many of his creations are still available online.
Thomas possessed a quick wit and a dry sense of humor that made everyone who knew him laugh. He loved music, YouTube videos, and video games, and hated to get up in the morning. Even at a young age, he was kind to small children and continued to be kind to everyone throughout his life, even while poking fun at them. He had no pretense and was quick to spot it in others. He was a steady, faithful friend, and could be counted on to be reliable in a tight spot. He was a son, brother, friend, Eagle Scout, musician, and an Airman First Class in the 188th wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard. He completed Air Force Basic Training in April 2020. Thomas was a member of Christ Community Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas and was growing steadily in his faith.
Thomas passed from this life on Friday, August 21, 2020, at 11:20 pm after a short but valiant fight with a very aggressive cancer. He is very loved and will be sorely missed by his many family members and friends.
As some of you have asked, we would be very honored if you would like to give in memory of Thomas to charities that are special to our family. Below you will find 3 options of places to give, the reasons for each, and a link. Please put his name on your donation so they get it in the correct account. Please do not send flowers or plants as they will just die in a few days. (Trust me on the plants) Gifts to these organizations will impact many lives in life-giving ways.
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Advocates for Africa's Children (https://www.afachildren.org/give/)
As a family, we have supported this ministry for years. Thomas found our family mission trip to Swaziland in 2014 a meaningful, growing time in his life and believed in their vision of helping build thriving, sustainable rural communities in Eswatini and Tanzania. We would be honored by your gifts to them. -
International Justice Mission (https://ijm.donordrive.com/participant/2393)
IJM is a much larger organization with a wide footprint in the world. We have supported them for years, and Thomas and Lynette volunteered weekly in their home office for 2 of our years in Northern Virginia. They are doing wonderful work in the world. -
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks
(https://rmhcozarks.org/donate/ronald-mcdonald-houses/)
These lovely people gave us lodging inside Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri during our time there with Thomas. They took wonderful care of us and enabled us to be close and comfortable during our last days with Thomas. We cannot thank them enough.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
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