Louis "Tom" Dwight Bland, 94, of DeLand, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025. He was born on February 8, 1931, in Roanoke, Virginia.

Tom was a proud United States Navy veteran, serving during the Korean War from 1950 to 1954. As a Weatherman, he served aboard several ships and concluded his naval career at the weather station in Washington, D.C., reflecting a life dedicated to service and duty.

Tom's love for the great outdoors and a spirit of adventure was nurtured during his childhood in West Virginia. He graduated from East Bank High School in Hansford and briefly attended West Virginia Tech before embarking on a career as an inspector with the West Virginia Department of Highways, where he served with distinction for 25 years.

In 1962, Tom married Carole "Kay" Turpin, the woman who would change his life forever. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. Traveling, camping, and fishing were central to their shared joy, and together they explored 45 of the 50 states, creating treasured memories that would last a lifetime.

Tom also had a passion for woodworking, enjoyed fishing in local ponds and rivers, and was a faithful member of the First Methodist Church of DeLand. His life was marked by curiosity, craftsmanship, and an enduring love for family and community.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Carole "Kay" Bland, his daughter, Theresa Church, and her husband, Danny, and his grandsons, Andrew Church and Matthew Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lula Belle Bland, and his sister, Myrtle Proffitt.

Tom will be laid to rest at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Lohman Funeral Home, DeLand Chapel.

Tom's legacy is one of love, honor, and adventure, a life well-lived, a service well-done, and a family forever cherished.