Thomas Kellen, a loving father, grandfather, educator, counselor, and veteran, passed away after a life marked by service, education, and a commitment to helping others achieve their potential.
Thomas was born on November 24, 1941, in Queens, New York, to Thomas Charles Kellen and Elsie Burke Kellen. He grew up in Bay Shore, New York, alongside his three sisters, Charlotte, Maryland, and Mary Ann.
As a young man, Thomas served for six years in the United States Army, including service in Germany with the Army Security Agency.
Following his military service, Thomas enrolled at Mesa Community College in Arizona. His experience there became a pivotal point in his life. The opportunities, support, and sense of possibility he found at a community college left a lasting impression on him and ultimately inspired his desire to become a counselor. He saw firsthand the difference that accessible education and the right guidance could make in a person’s life—an experience that would later shape his career and his commitment to helping others find their own path forward.
After earning his two-year degree from Mesa Community College, Thomas continued his education at the University of Arizona in Tucson, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He briefly entered the business world as a manager with JCPenney, but the impact of his community college experience stayed with him. He ultimately chose to pursue a career in education, earning his master’s degree in Educational Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Thomas went on to build a career in higher education spanning more than three decades. He spent the majority of his career at what was formerly known as Thomas Nelson Community College, where he served as a counselor and helped countless students navigate their education, overcome obstacles, and work toward their goals.
He was particularly committed to ensuring that higher education was accessible to students with additional needs. In many ways, his career brought him full circle—from a young veteran who found his own direction through a community college to a counselor who spent decades helping others find theirs.
Outside of his career, Thomas had an enduring love of music, especially the Rolling Stones. He enjoyed soccer, sailing, and movies of all kinds. These interests remained an important part of who he was throughout his life.
Thomas is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Baum, and her husband, David Baum; his son, Charles Kellen, and his wife, Helene Tisdale; and his grandchildren, Rachel Mitchell (Spouse, Brodi Mitchell), Nathan Baum, Joshua Baum, and Burke Kellen.
Thomas leaves behind a legacy in the many students he encouraged and supported throughout his career, as well as the family, friends, colleagues, and others who shared in his life.
His own experience showed him what education could make possible. He spent much of the rest of his life helping make those possibilities available to others.
A memorial service will be held at Reformation Lutheran Church in Newport News on October 15th, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the York County Fire Department PO Box 532 Yorktown VA 23690.
16 Comments
Sending condolences to the family and the loved ones he left behind
Tom was a one of a kind. He will be missed, I will miss him!
I’ll miss you Tom
You meant a lot to me
Tom was very dear to all of us at Reformation. We will miss him and we give thanks for his life of faith.
Sending heartfelt condolences to Tom’s family and loved ones. We were grateful for his years of service to the college and his dedication to students and staff at TNCC (now VPCC). He was a well-known Academic Advisor at the college, we enjoyed working with him. Rest in peace Tom.
I worked with Tom for a long time. He was always a joy to be around. My condolences to his family and loved one.
My deepest sympathy to the family.
It was a joy working with Tom and he will be missed. My deepest condolences to the family.
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. I worked with Tom for many years at Thomas Nelson. It was a pleasure and privilege to call him friend.
Man Tom thank you for all of your kindness to me and my family, you will always be remembered by the family for reaching and teaching what guienne love ,and respect was.Our deepest condolences for the family.
Tom was my dear friend. Condolences to his family. His love and support was amazing.
My heart felt sympathy to the Kellen Family. Tom was my Counselor when I first enrolled at Thomas Nelson CC in1979. I will always have fond memories of our talks and his laughter. May God grant you Comfort and Peace.🙏🏿
Tom was a special person and will be greatly missed. Prayers to his family and love ones.
Tom was a real friend of mine. I will really miss him. I loved his easygoing and beautiful way that he related to people. Condolences to the family.
Condolences to you’ll and keep you’ll head up and remember he is a better place
I just found out about Tom’s passing. Sending condolences to his family. You will be missed my friend!!