Obituary of Thomas Eblen

Thomas Neal Eblen, 85, was reunited with his beloved Joan on April 16 2013 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born on March 4th, in Albuquerque NM, to Isaac N and Elizabeth (Neal) Eblen. Tom was a proud Marine, having served from 1944-1948 and took part in the Occupation, stationed in Japan. Tom studied to be a monk but was unable to complete due to health reasons. But God had a different plan for him; his local priest introduced him to Joan Anderson. They were married in 1951. They spent the beginning of their marriage performing missionary work in Chetumal, Mexico, running a health center and where their first child was born. They returned to the states where they were blessed with 4 more children. Among Tom’s many careers, he was a gas station attendant, a probation officer whilst going to night school AND raising his young family, an Elementary School teacher, a Director for drug addiction and abuse, a Personnel Manager and a Marriage Counselor. He obtained a BA from Berkeley, an MA from San Jose State and earned his doctorate in Psychology from Teacher’s College, Columbia University. He was employed by IBM for 17 years, founded the Personal Development School in Tucson during the 1980s and retired in 1983. But he could not rest; he teamed with a fellow colleague to counsel youths after retirement. Tom loved helping people; he was constantly aware and helping those needing assistance. He found a great love and admiration of various cultures; Tohono O’odham, Navajo, his own Hispanic background, Asian and others; collecting music, artwork and reading voraciously about them. He was active in his Catholic Church and faith wherever life took him. He volunteered for church readings, communion and church boards. He was a volunteer Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s Hospital. He attempted priesthood after the passing of his wife but again his health prevented him from completing that endeavor. Sadly, Tom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2002 and his health began to decline. Tom is preceded in death by his wife Joan and daughter Christina. He is survived by his sister, Gladys Gleason, his two sons, Cristobal (Betty) and Andrew (Julie) Eblen; two daughters, Lee (Steve) Hemphill and Virginia (Mike) Polenick and 11 grandchildren. A graveside service was held at Holy Hope Catholic Cemetery at 11am on Monday, April 22 2013.