Thomas 'Tom' Gutierrez, 78, Decorated Vietnam Veteran and Beloved Family Man, Passes Away

Gutierrez, a longtime resident of Mountain Home, Arkansas, is remembered for his quiet strength, loyalty, and devotion to his loved ones.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:40pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft pools of warm color and light, depicting a blurred family gathering in a cozy, domestic setting, conceptually representing the quiet celebration of a life well-lived.A family's quiet remembrance of a beloved patriarch who dedicated his life to service and loved ones.Mountain Home Today

Thomas 'Tom' Gutierrez, a 78-year-old decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served during the Vietnam War, passed away on April 3, 2026, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Gutierrez, who was born in East Chicago, Indiana, in 1948, moved to Mountain Home with his wife Barbara in 1996 and was a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Church. He is survived by his siblings, children, grandchildren, and many other beloved family members and friends.

Why it matters

Gutierrez's life story reflects the experiences of many American veterans who served their country with honor and then went on to build fulfilling lives in their local communities. His passing is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for their nation, as well as the importance of family, faith, and service to others.

The details

After serving in the Vietnam War, Gutierrez married Barbara Jean Saksa in 1992 and the couple made their home in Mountain Home, Arkansas, in 1996. He was known for his quiet strength, deep loyalty, and unwavering devotion to his loved ones, always putting the needs of others before his own.

  • Thomas 'Tom' Gutierrez was born on March 14, 1948, in East Chicago, Indiana.
  • Gutierrez married Barbara Jean Saksa on July 6, 1992, in Hammond, Indiana.
  • Gutierrez and his wife Barbara made their home in Mountain Home, Arkansas, in 1996.
  • Gutierrez passed away on April 3, 2026, in Mountain Home, Arkansas, at the age of 78.

The players

Thomas 'Tom' Gutierrez

A 78-year-old decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served during the Vietnam War and was a longtime resident of Mountain Home, Arkansas.

Barbara Jean Gutierrez

Gutierrez's beloved wife, with whom he made his home in Mountain Home, Arkansas, in 1996.

Sophia Norrick

One of Gutierrez's children.

Sondra Pagan

One of Gutierrez's children.

Kelly Siwak

One of Gutierrez's children.

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What’s next

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mountain Home, Arkansas, with Military Honors provided by the Alley-White American Legion Post #52 and United States Marine Corps Honor Guards at 3:30 pm.

The takeaway

Gutierrez's life exemplified the values of service, family, and community that are cherished in many American towns. His passing is a loss felt by all who knew him and a reminder of the enduring impact that veterans and their loved ones can have on the places they call home.