Thomas Henry Reckner

Thomas Henry Reckner, age 83, was called to his eternal home on January 9, 2025. He passed away peacefully at his home in Destin, Florida with his loving wife of 40 years, Elena, by his side.

Tom was born on January 7, 1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Hubert William Reckner and Emma Jean Bosworth. He was raised in Cincinnati by his father, Hubert and stepmother, Alma. Upon turning 18, Tom entered the United States Air Force on January 9, 1960 where he dutifully served until April 30, 1980.

During his time in the military, he was employed in the 3210th Supply Squadron as a superintendent and also worked as an education and training superintendent for the majority of his term. Tom served in the Vietnam War from 1967-1968 and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars and the National Defense Service Medal for his time and service there.

Throughout his military career, Tom was stationed in California, Libya, Vietnam, Germany, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, and Florida, where he ended his service in 1980 at Eglin Air Force Base as a Senior Master Sergeant. Upon retiring from the USAF, Tom was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters (OLCs), the Air Force Good Conduct medal with four OLCs, the Air Force Longevity Service Award with three OLCs, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Graduate Ribbon, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

After retiring from the military, Tom continued to work in the 3210th Supply Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base as a civil servant until he retired in 2010.

On July 8, 1984 Tom married Elena Bertubin in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. During the early years of their marriage they lived in Shalimar, Florida until building their home in 1995 in Navarre, Florida. They resided in that home until moving to Marbella Condominiums in Destin, Florida in 2022.

Tom had a love for gardening and landscaping and took pride in caring for his yard. People would often comment on how beautifully manicured it was. Sometimes strangers would stop by and, having been impressed by its beauty, would knock on the door just to compliment him on his hard work. He never once hired a landscaping company and looked after his own yard into his 80s until selling his home and buying a condo at Marbella.

Tom also had a great fondness for animals, especially cats and dogs. He donated to animal charities such as PAWS and also spent some time volunteering there. He found great enjoyment in tossing a ball around in the yard to his dog, Jake, and was known to feed him and his other dogs an apple a day.

Tom is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Elena of Destin, FL; son, Stephen Reckner of Navarre, FL and his children, Olivia, Logan and Lauchlan; daughter, Amanda Lee (Scott) of Destin, FL and their children, Davidson, Naomi, and Elena. He is also survived by his mother, Alma Reckner of Wyoming, OH; his brother, John Reckner of Oxford, MA; his sister, Gayle Howard (Charlie) of Wyoming, OH; numerous nieces and nephews; and his dogs, BJ, and Baby.

He was preceded in death by his father, Hubert Reckner; birth mother, Emma Jean Bosworth; brother, Donald Reckner; several beloved cats; and his best friend, his labrador retriever, Jake.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Tom’s favorite charities, Mercy Ships or Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).