Thomas Staton Brenner

MSGT Thomas S. Brenner, age 71, died at home in Laurel, Maryland on August 16, 2022.

Born on September 9, 1950, son of William Grant and Margaret Aileen Simpson Brenner in New York City; Tom lived in Newport News, VA and Laurel MD.

Tom’s life was dedicated in service to others. He served 20 years in the US Air Force, serving in Misawa, Japan; Osan AB, Korea; Clark AB, Philippines; and Ft. Meade, MD. His subsequent civilian career path was focused in service to children and youth in foster care at RCI Therapeutic Services, and PG County DSS.

He earned an AS in Communications Processing Management at the Community College of the Air Force,  BA in History at Christopher Newport College, and an MA in Counseling Psychology from Bowie University.

In his volunteer capacity as former deacon at Laurel Korean Baptist Church and board member of Goodloe Memorial UU Church, Tom supported many projects involving community service and social justice work.  He logged over 500 volunteer hours at the USO.  He tutored adult ESOL students and facilitated peer support groups for military family members.  He was awarded a Maryland Governor’s Volunteer Service Recognition Certificate in 2005.

Tom is survived and dearly missed by his wife, Denise Gingrich Brenner; daughter, Susan S. Brenner; stepdaughter, Rose E. Fisher; stepson, Paul S. Wetter(Lori Wertz Kempisty), former wife, Hae Cha Brenner; 6 grandchildren: DShaun Chapman, Jorja Fisher, Jessica Fisher, Jordan Fisher, Raven Walker and Charles Wetter; brother, Alan Brenner; nephew, Andrew Brenner(Holly Brenner); and niece, Evelyn Brenner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, William Brenner, and son, Brian Edmond Brenner.

Services will be held at Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A. on Friday, September 9, 2022. Visitation will start at 2 pm with the memorial service beginning at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions might be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness