Thomas Yong Gentile, 40, passed away August 28, 2026. Visitation will be 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South, with the Rosary to begin at 7:00PM. The Funeral Mass will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5410 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene, Texas. Interment will follow in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene.

Tom, a beloved father, protector, warrior, and gentle giant, was born May 20, 1986, in South Korea and was adopted by Barbara and Dominic Gentile as an infant. From an early age, Tom developed a strong sense of adventure, courage, and determination—qualities that would shape the extraordinary life he would go on to live.

Tom attended Dearborn High School in Aurora, Indiana, and immediately following graduation, answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force. During his military career, he proudly served as a mechanic working on B-1 aircraft. His dedication to service and his willingness to protect others remained a defining part of who he was throughout his life.

Tom had a passion for speed, competition, and anything with an engine. He raced motorcycles and cars, built cars,and could often be found doing what he loved most—working with machines and pushing himself to the limit. One of his favorite movies was The Fast and the Furious, and he often lived by its famous words,“I live my life a quarter mile at a time.” He also had a deep love for the outdoors and hunting. For many years, he served as a hunting guide during the fall season, sharing his knowledge and passion for hunting with others. Hunting was more than a pastime for him; it was something he truly loved and looked forward to each year. His courage and abilities took him around the world. 

Among his many accomplishments, Tom had the honor of serving as a bodyguard for the Prince of Dubai. He was also a world champion in Jiu Jitsu, an achievement that reflected the incredible discipline, strength, and determination he carried throughout his life. Tom was a member of the Team USA Grappling and a UWW World Grappling Medalist. Tom traveled to Kazakhstan to compete with the USA team, something he was very proud of. He was also going to get his first degree on his blackbelt next spring.

But perhaps Tom’s greatest accomplishments were not the titles he earned or the places he traveled. They were the lives he touched and the people he protected.

Tom joined the Beyond Trafficking organization here in Abilene, dedicating himself to the fight against human trafficking and the protection of innocent children. This opened the doors for Tom to hold several board positions and eventually become the president of Beyond Trafficking. He also served as the Texas trafficking task force director. The Beyond Trafficking organization gave him the first steps into anti-trafficing and through his efforts, he helped save an average of five children each month within the United States, in addition to the lives he helped save overseas. His work was driven by a deep compassion for those who could not protect themselves, and he tirelessly used his strength and courage to give others a chance to have a safer life.

Tom was also a member of a Swift Water Rescue Team and recently put his training and bravery into action while helping those affected by the devastating floods in Kerrville, Texas. Whether responding to an emergency, protecting someone in danger, or simply offering comfort to someone in need, Tom had a remarkable ability to make people feel safe. He even carried that ability as a volunteer fire fighter for the city of Albany, Texas.

To so many, Tom was a protector. He brought security, comfort, and reassurance to countless people throughout his life. Yet behind his imposing strength was a tender heart. Children especially seemed to recognize that side of him. All kids loved this gentle giant, and Tom had a special way of making them feel safe, valued, and loved.

Above all else, Tom was a father and husband. His children and his wife Erica were his greatest joy and the most important part of his life. No accomplishment, adventure, title, or achievement could compare to the love and pride he had for his children and wife. They were at the center of his heart, and the memories he created with them will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

Tom lived a life marked by courage, service, adventure, and an unwavering desire to protect others. He was strong enough to stand between others and danger, yet gentle enough to be loved by every child who crossed his path. His life made a difference in ways both great and small, and his legacy will live on through the many people he protected, the children he helped save, and most importantly, through the children he loved more than anything.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Gentile; and brother-in-law, Victor Torres.

Tom is survived by his wife, Erica Gentile; his three children; father and stepmother, Dominic and Dolores Gentile; his mother-in-law; three sister in laws; one brother-in-law; eight nieces and nephews; six great nieces and nephews; and an unlimited number of friends and family members.

His life was lived with purpose, his heart was devoted to others, and his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave to his children.