Mr. Thomas Edward Mullins, better known as Tom, was born on July 21, 1948 in Oklahoma City, OK. A leader within the community, a devoted husband and father, a mentor to many and a tireless public servant, Mr. Tom Mullins peacefully passed away, on 2 February 2016, at Novant Health Prince William Medical Center.

Tom served Soldiers faithfully for over 44 years as an active duty Army officer and a federal service acquisition professional. He led countless critical initiatives in program management and business and financial management.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Bernett; daughter, Shannon; Brother Charles Mullins, (Brenda) of Oklahoma City, OK; and Sister Dee Ann Karr (Hank) of Altus, OK.  Also surviving are nieces Jennifer, Heather, Cyndi, and Kris; nephews Steven, Jason, and Bert and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  
Tom had a love for telling stories about life experiences, watching James Bond movies and vacationing with his family.  He dedicated his life to civilian service for over 24 years. At the time of his death Tom was serving as a Senior Executive Service (SES) member in the position of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Plans, Programs and Resources (DASA PP&R) within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology). As the DASA PP&R, he led the planning, programming and execution of the Army’s Research, Development, Test and Evaluation and Procurement Appropriations totaling over $40B annually. His oversight included serving as the co-chair of the Equipping and Sustaining Program Evaluation Groups that direct the Army’s long-term Sustaining and Acquisition strategies. Tom provided fiscal and resource counsel to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology). He provided oversight and direction to Reserve and National Guard acquisition efforts. Tom served in a variety of positions during his career. Prior to his appointment as the Deputy Assistant Secretary, Tom served as the Deputy Director for Plans, Programs and Resources under the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Plans, Programs and Resources. Prior to this assignment he was the Director of Maneuver Systems for the Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management and the Program Executive Officer Representative for Ground Combat Systems. Tom also served as a project manager and as a member of the staff of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, Strategic and Tactical Systems, Land Warfare. Tom received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Field Artillery Corps, on 16 Jan 1972, from Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma. During his 20 years of service, his military assignments included positions as a Fire Support Division Chief, an Executive Officer, a Force Integration Staff Officer in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations-Force Development, a Training and Doctrine Command System Manager for Cannons, a Battalion Commander, a Battery Commander and various staff assignments. Tom’s civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science in Physics from and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma, and a Master of Science in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School. He has been a member of the civilian Army Acquisition Corps since 1992 and has achieved a Level III certification in Program Management.

Tom has been provided numerous awards including the Legion of Merit, Office of the Secretary of Defense Award for Excellence, and several Exceptional Performance awards.  Tom Mullins was an institution within the Pentagon where his advice and counsel were sought out from Program Executive Officers, Program Managers and the Army Staff.  He will be remembered for his long and noteworthy record of service both to our Army and our Nation.  Tom always kept Soldiers as his top priority while touching  many lives  and  always  entering  a  room  with  a  great  big smile. Tom was never a stranger to those he came in contact with and was always willing to lend a helpful hand, or just provide his wisdom. Tom brought many people into his life, as one of his own, and he will be deeply missed.

A private memorial will be held please contact mullinsmemories@gmail.com for details.

Please sign the guestbook at www.bakerpostfh.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas Edward Mullins, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.