Thomas Wilt

On September 21, 2024 Thomas Wilt of DeLand went to his new home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born July 20th, 1945 in Adrian Michigan. Wilt formed his Midwest work ethic over his many years on his parents farm in Blissfield, Michigan. A graduate of the University of Michigan in 1967 with further education at Western Illinois, Advanced Management, and Harvard Law School, Advanced Negotiations.

Wilt had two careers. The first was 24 years in the car rental business resulting in holding positions as Avis Florida Zone manager, Budget as Operations VP of a large franchise group and General Rent a Car as Operations VP. In that career the Wilts lived in ten US cities.

The second career started in 1991 when Wilt joined AAA national headquarters' management team in Lake Mary, Florida. When Wilt retired from AAA in 2009 he was Managing Director of Programs and International Affairs. In the former he created a very successful international program of saving for over 110 million worldwide members. In the latter Wilt exported his program to over 40 auto clubs across the world. His love for travel, in particular international travel was matched by his love for trophy fishing.

In his retirement and before with his wife Christine he greatly enjoyed visiting many countries in Europe and Asia, Central and South America. Wilt actively attended Wellspring Church of DeLand and served 3 board terms on the Holy Cross of Lake Mary network of churches. Wilt was also a Board Member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties. He previously served over 14 years as a Boys & Girls Club Board Member in Seminole county where he and his wife lived before moving to DeLand. Wilt was very active and dedicated to helping youth become responsible adults.

Father, Ray Wilt; Mother Sally Knoblauch Wilt, Sister Debbie Wilt Stevens, and sister Patsy Wilt O'Nan preceded Tom in death. Wilt leaves behind his loving wife of over 58 years Christine Anderson Wilt, devoted son Miles Preston Wilt and daughter-in-law Rebecca Wilt of Longwood, and two cherished granddaughters Starr and Scarlett.

Viewing will be held Monday, September 30, 4-6pm at Lankford Funeral Home in DeLand.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 1, 10am at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Lake Mary.

In lieu of flowers donation can be made to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties.