Thomas Carl "Tom" Lobenstein

THOMAS CARL (“Tom”) LOBENSTEIN of Prattville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, at the age of 80 years young, following a years-long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Born in Hutchinson, Kansas, Tom had a deep respect for work – hard work – and was determined to always give his very best at whatever he set his mind to. He earned several degrees while attending Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, and the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. He served two years in the U.S. Army, including a year of service in Vietnam during combat operations there. He, then, had a thirty (30) year career working for the Department of Defense’s Air University Press, based at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, where he served as a researcher, editor, and author of many papers, periodicals, books, and other publications. In his prime, Tom thoroughly enjoyed gardening and golf and was an avid runner, and also spent many years volunteering with the Montgomery YMCA and participating in Youth Sports activities as a Soccer Coach and U.S. Swimming Official.

 Tom is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Charles William (“Dr. Bill”) Lobenstein; mother, DeLaura Vivian (Whipple) Lobenstein; sister, Judith Catherine Lobenstein; sister, Jean Sledge; and brother, John Lobenstein. He is survived by his wife of over fifty-seven (57) years, Nancy Elizabeth (Rathjen) Lobenstein and their four children: Mary Beth Taylor and husband, Kevin; Aric Lobenstein and wife, Emily; Shari Brown and husband, Wesley; and Kristen McMillen and husband, Wes. Also surviving Tom are seven beautiful grandchildren: Lane Taylor, Lorilee Taylor, Savannah Lobenstein, Thomas Lobenstein, Henry Brown, Silas Brown, and James Brown. Surviving siblings include his late brother John’s wife, Roseann, and their three daughters, Jill, Joann, and Janet; his late sister Jean’s husband, Larry Sledge, and their children, Michael and Sarah; his sister, Betsy; his sister, Mary Bess, and her daughter Cara; and his brother Ken (Pat) and their daughter, Becky.

 Tom will be deeply missed by all who got to know him, but most of all by his wife who loved him dearly – always has and always will. In lieu of flowers, the family would request that donations be made in Tom’s memory to support your local YMCA. The family also expresses its deep gratitude to Baptist Hospice (especially Tom’s nurse, Melissa) and Home Helpers Home Care of Prattville (especially Tom’s primary caregiver, Regina) for their heartfelt care and support over these final few months.

As we extend our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time, we would also like to express our utmost gratitude to you for entrusting us with your loved one. Magnolia Cremations & Funeral Services.

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