Mr. Sturm died Friday, April 25, 2008 at his daughter’s home in Cullman. He was born March 21, 1941 in Columbus, Ohio, to George William and Rose Catherine Murphy Sturm.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Rosemary Leis; and four brothers, Robert, James, Eugene and William Sturm.

Survivors include his loving wife of 44 years, Beverly Elaine Snyder Sturm of Dothan; three children, David Eugene Sturm and wife Cynthia of Bangor, Maine; Scott Michael Sturm and wife Michelle of Dothan; and Maria Suzanne Stanford and husband Steve of Cullman. PaPa was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren, Cathrynn Sturm of Dothan, Elizabeth, Andrew, Bethany and Rebecca Sturm of Bangor, Maine, Matthew Scott Sturm of Dothan and Mary Katherine and Thomas Jackson of Cullman; a sister, Marge Noyes of Las Vegas, Nev.; a brother, George Sturm of St. Petersburg, Fla.; sister-in-laws, Charlotte Sturm, Norma Sturm and Evangeline Sturm, all of Dayton, Ohio; many special cousins, nephews and nieces as well as friends and former co-workers.

Mr. Sturm was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He graduated from Chaminade High School in 1959 and attended the University of Dayton. Beginning in 1959 Mr. Sturm started his career with Globe Motors in Dayton, Ohio. He moved to Dothan, Ala. in 1973 and retired from Globe Motors in 2002 as Director of Materials. He continued consulting work until his official retirement in 2005.

Mr. Sturm was a sports enthusiast. He loved coaching, participating and watching a variety of sports. He was an avid supporter of Dothan High School activities.

He lived his life to the fullest and loved sharing it with his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Thomas Joseph Sturm to the building fund at St. Columba Catholic Church in Dothan; Hospice of Cullman County or Cullman Regional Medical Center Foundation — Emergency Services; and in Dayton, Chaminade-Julienne High School Foundation.

Pallbearers will be Michael Eugene Sturm, Andrew Thomas Sturm, Tom Roney, Eric Roney, Greg Cole, Mark Gary, Mike Hammack, and Robert Blanford. Honorary pallbearers will be: Gary Sturm, George Messer, Hugh Hagan, Don McFarland, Larry Hardy, Monroe Merritt, Robert Fischer, and the friends at Globe Motors.

Te Amo Semper.