Tommy Hinze

Tommy Hinze lived 82 years marked by service, sacrifice, perseverance, faith, and unwavering love for his family, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026.

A proud Vietnam veteran and recipient of two Purple Hearts, Tommy answered his country’s call at a young age. His military service shaped who he was, teaching him sacrifice, loyalty, duty, and honor—values he carried throughout his life and devoted to those he loved.

In his later years, Tommy faced one health battle after another, but he refused to let those struggles keep him from living. He remained determined to enjoy life for as long as God allowed. One month before his passing, he celebrated his 82nd birthday surrounded by family and the memories of a life well lived.

Even near the end, Tommy continued doing what he loved. He rode out with relatives to scout land and look at livestock, followed his favorite sports, and rarely wanted to miss a game or season. Race season at Oaklawn held a special place in his heart.

He also continued visiting his beloved wife, Kathleen Kay Hinze, at the cemetery. He would stand beside her grave, spend time with her, and then return home—a simple act that reflected a love death could not erase. Soon, he will make that journey one final time, not to leave again, but to rest peacefully beside her.

That final care is especially meaningful because Tommy spent years working in funeral care. He served thousands of families during some of their most difficult moments, caring for their loved ones with dignity, gentleness, and respect. He understood that each person entrusted to him was someone’s husband or wife, parent, sibling, grandparent, or whole world. To Tommy, funeral care was more than a profession; it was a sacred responsibility.

Now Tommy is the one being entrusted to the care of others. The man who helped prepare countless loved ones for their final rest will be cared for with the same dignity he extended to so many.

Of all the titles Tommy carried—soldier, veteran, brother, husband, father, and friend—perhaps none was more treasured than Papaw. He loved his grandchildren until the very end. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the continuation of the life he had fought so hard to live. They will carry forward his strength, faith, humor, traditions, stories, and love.

Tommy was strong in his faith and firm in his beliefs. Through war, loss, illness, grief, and every trial life placed before him, his faith remained an anchor. His family finds comfort in believing that his earthly battles are finally over and that he has entered the peace he trusted would come.

Tommy is survived by his three daughters, Michelle, Kim, and Heather; his brothers, Bob, Michael Hinze; his grandchildren, Hope, Kiersten/ Kaleb Holland , Morgan/Nate Mullins, Lauren, Cole, and Jett; his beloved great-grandchildren Kamdyn, Kash, Brooklyn, Huxli, Ryker, Oakley, Blayde, and Sylvie, and the many family members and friends whose lives were changed by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathleen Kay Hinze; his parents, Victor and Mildred Hinze; his sister, Elizabeth Ann, who courageously battled cancer; and his brother, Victor Paul Hinze. And his Grand daughter Hopes Husband Zackary Tyler Burrier. His siblings shared Tommy’s heart for service, making compassion for others a deeply rooted part of the Hinze family.

Tommy’s life cannot be measured only by 82 birthdays, two Purple Hearts, years of military service, or decades spent caring for grieving families. It is better measured by what he gave: years to his country, dignity to families in mourning, devotion to Kathleen, strength through hardship, and a love his family will carry for generations.

After a lifetime of serving, fighting, loving, enduring, and believing, Tommy’s work here is finished.

The soldier can finally lay down his burdens.
The caretaker can finally be cared for.
The husband can finally be reunited with his wife.
And the Papaw who loved his family so deeply can finally rest, knowing that his love will continue living in all of them.

Beside Kathleen, he will finally be home.
Visitation will be Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 beginning at 6:00 P.M until 7:00 P.M. with Rosary immediately following beginning at 7:00 P.M. held at  Sts Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Slovak, Arkansas. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 beginning at 11:00 A.M. held at Sts Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, interment will be in the Sts Cyril & Methodius Catholic Cemetery in Slovak, Arkansas.
Arrangements are entrusted with Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen, Arkansas.