Tom Hlass died early morning May 20, 2021, at St. Vincent's Hospital in Little Rock, at the age of 87.

He was born and raised in Russellville, the youngest of eight children, graduating from Russellville High School and Arkansas Tech. His work in the insurance business took him to Kansas City, Kansas, Jacksonville, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia, where he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Mercer University. Tom returned to Russellville in 1995 to be with family.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Steve and Francis Hlass; seven siblings; and his daughter, Tara Leigh. He is survived by his son, Tommy; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Tom was a U.S. Air Force veteran and for two years was assigned to a Troop Carrier Squadron of C-124 aircraft at Tachikawa AFB, Japan. He completed his active duty at Laughlin AFB, Texas, and was then transferred to a reserve unit at Robins AFB, Georgia.

Tom loved family, travel, and playing bridge.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at the Chapel at St. John Catholic Church in Russellville with Father Ernest Hardesty officiating with private burial in Oakland Cemetery  in Russellville under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the River Valley Veterans Coalition c/o First State Bank, P.O. Box 10610, Russellville, AR 72812.

The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.