The Central Valley lost a community leader in Tom Truax on Tuesday. Truax passed away at age 55 after a year-long battle with cancer.

Truax found his calling in the healthcare industry, serving in several capacities by helping those who could not always help themselves. He was most recently the CEO of the DMC Foundation in Modesto. He also served as executive director for the Stanislaus County Society for Handicapped Children and Adults and director of physician and business development at Sutter Amador Hospital.

His dedication to the health and well-being of the community did not stop with his career. Truax is a past chair of the American Heart Association and most recently represented District 2 on the Stanislaus County Veterans Advisory Commission.

Truax was an eight-year veteran of the United States Air Force. Among his 26 ribbons and medals, he was awarded the Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal under President Ronald Reagan.

"He was one of our driving forces in assisting veterans with a new clinic and getting two vans to transport vets to the VA hospital in Palo Alto," said Stanislaus County Veterans Services Manager Jim Greer,  Retired USN Mst. Chief.

He was dedicated in every facet of his life to kindness, fairness and living by his grandfather's favorite verse, "As you have done to the least of these, my brethren, you have done unto me."

Truax enjoyed golfing with his buddies and spending time at his ranch, a passion he shared with others. He and his wife, Tami Truax, hosted area children with autism and other developmental disabilities for a day on the farm at their 4T Ranch in Turlock.

A celebration of life service will be held for Truax at 11 a.m. Saturday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 640 Minaret Ave., Turlock. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist. A public interment will be on Monday at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 W. McCabe Rd., Santa Nella.

He is survived by his wife, Tamara Ann Truax; sons, Terrance Craig Truax and wife Christa of Hughson, and Timothy Frank Truax of Turlock; sisters, Debra Truax Flannery and husband Patrick, Mary Victoria Truax and husband Don, both of Florida; brother, David Ernest Truax and wife Carol of Turlock; nephews, Craig James Flannery  and Sean Patrick Flannery of Florida and Mathew Craig Truax of Turlock and Nicholas Edward Truax of West Point; also his beloved father and mother-in-law, Frank and Corky Fuentes of Pleasanton. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Combs Craig Truax; mother, Ellamae Jean Truax; and beloved brother, Edward Combs Truax.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in the name of Tom Truax to the Turlock Education Foundation School Farm Project, turlockedfoundation.org/donate.