In Loving Memory of Thomas D. Krumme

Thomas D. Krumme, a lifelong resident of the South Bay and a man defined by a fierce, quiet devotion to his family, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026. He died lying next to his wife, following a beautiful final season of life where he was surrounded by the presence and love of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, most notably during a cherished time together on January 31.

Born on June 25, 1942, at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Hollywood, Tom was the son of Joseph Andrew Krumme and Elizabeth Mary Parr. He was a resident of Gardena, Torrance, and finally Carson. A proud product of Catholic education, Tom attended and served as an altar boy at Saint Anthony of Padua before graduating from Serra High School in 1960. A standout athlete in football and track, he carried the nicknames Conejo and Piano Legs as badges of his youthful speed and spirit. He went on to attend El Camino College in Torrance.

Tom was a man of grit and deep intellectual curiosity. In 1978, he earned a Juris Doctor degree through USC, from California South Bay University—an achievement of deep personal pride. Though his professional path led him to a long, dedicated career as a manager for Top Valu Markets, the discipline of a scholar never left him. And while he was known for his hard work and sharp mind, those closest to him knew him for his immense heart and romantic spirit.

From the day he met Claudia, Tom made a point of giving her a single rose or a bouquet every single day, whether he bought them from a vendor or playfully pinched them from a neighbor’s yard. These roses would appear in work bags, on car door handles, or on dashboards, a tradition he eventually extended to his daughters. He was a man of thoughtful gestures, leaving daily notes on the table or tucked into lunch bags for his wife and children to find.

Tom found great joy in life’s simple pleasures: trips to the mountains, baseball, the golf course, lottery tickets, and his gun collection. Together with Claudia, he taught religious education classes at St. Catherine Laboure just before and shortly after their marriage. He was a connoisseur of nachos, German chocolate cake, and ice cream. He leaves behind a legacy of love, survived by his beloved wife, Claudia Krumme; his children: Jeffrey Thomas Krumme, Maria (Luis) Armijo, Laura (Justin) Meneses, and Angelica (Steven) Flores; his grandchildren: Sarah, Jessica, Ryan (Kelly), Lorena, Daniel Thomas (Kiersten), Jacob, Isabella, Benson Thomas, Lorelei, and Charlie; and his great-grandchildren: Maleah, Mason, and Rosalie.

He is also remembered by the family of his late former spouse, Marie Irene Basham, who passed away in 2019. Together, they raised Jeff and Maria and remained committed to family throughout their lives. Tom also leaves behind his brother, Joseph (Rosemary) Krumme, their children Michael, Sheila, and Mary (Louis); their grandchildren Anthony, Dominic, Lindsay, Tiffany, and Ryder; and their great- grandchildren Charlotte, Danny, and Sandra.

A few days prior to his departure, he said to Claudia that happiness is when you realize that your children have turned out to be good people. He was prouder of that than of anything else in life. Tom will be remembered as a man who always made sure his people were safe, spoiled, and deeply loved.