Mr. Thomas Walter Matthew Armes

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the Sons of God (Matthew 5:9) Thomas Walter Matthew Armes was a peacemaker and Son of the Most High throughout his short time on this earthly plane. Born in Fernandina Beach, Florida on November 3, 2003, he spent a bit of time in the NICU, which was a harbinger of his enduring spirit from the beginning of his life. From a young age, Thomas was a peacemaker, a helper and calming spirit, surrounding his family and friends with a positive light that would rival the brightest stars in the sky. Sadly, Thomas’ light dimmed upon his death on February 5, 2023. Thomas could be described in one word: “service.” As a Cub Scout and Boy Scout, obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout, Thomas developed a love of service to others at a young age, which allowed him the freedom to see opportunities to help others at every turn – whether it was a senior citizen needing help at the grocery store, a younger Scout needing help with knot tying, or a friend in need of encouragement – Thomas was there to serve. In addition to Scouting, Thomas was actively involved as an Air Force JROTC Cadet at Spring Valley High School, and Navy JROTC Cadet at Widefield-Security High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he was a graduate in the Class of 2022. Upon his high school graduation, Thomas attended The University of Alabama where he was a Criminal Justice major and a Cadet in the Army ROTC program. Thomas is survived by his mother and best friend, Cassidy Baird, his supportive stepfather Staff Sargent Christopher Baird and younger brother and compatriot, Patrick Armes. Additionally, Thomas is survived by his loving grandparents Nana and Papa, Al and Marianne Hethcox of Columbia, South Carolina and Marlene and Wayne Kernodle of Casper, Wyoming and Rick and Rachel Baird of Sutherlin, Oregon. Thomas was also cherished by his Uncle Jon and Aunt Jennifer Hethcox and his cousins Caroline and Lillian of Lexington, South Carolina, Uncle Thad and Aunt Roberta Hethcox and cousin Anna Grace of Houston, Texas and Uncle Andrew and Aunt Jennifer Thompson and his cousins Alexandria Summer, Cody Summer, and Victoria Thompson of Belgrade, Montana. Thomas was blessed with knowing and loving his extended family with aunts, uncles and cousins across the United States. Because of Thomas’ giving spirit, he’ll be missed by his many friends in Columbia, Colorado Springs and Tuscaloosa. May his memory be a blessing. A celebration of Thomas’ life will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 1 o’clock at Awaken Columbia, 171 Newland Rd, Columbia, SC 29229. A graveside service will take place on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 3 o’clock at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Thomas’ name be made to his beloved Boy Scout Troop 737, c/o Living Springs Lutheran Church, 4224 Hard Scrabble Rd, Columbia, SC 29223, with a memo noting Thomas / Boy Scout Troop 737. Memories and condolences may be shared at ShiveFuneralHome.com.

Tributes

Mr. Thomas Walter Matthew Armes

November 3, 2003 - February 5, 2023