Thomas Ross Whitlock was born February 20, 1954, to Ross and Peg Whitlock in Springfield, Mo. He attended Sunshine, Pershing and Glendale Schools. He played drums in various rock bands while at Glendale including The Dog People. He entered Drury University in 1971 to major in music. Drury honored him as Distinguished Alumni in 1998 and with an honorary doctorate in music in 1999.

In 1983, he went to Los Angeles, California planning to start a band. He worked with composer Giorgio Moroder in his studio. They worked on movies such as Scarface, Flashdance and Beverly Hills Cop. As a songwriter and musician, he was best known for receiving an Academy Award and Golden Globe for the winning song "Take My Breath Away" from the movie Top Gun.  He co-wrote 5 songs for the original Top Gun including the Kenny Loggins hit, "Danger Zone." 113 songs are registered with ASCAP that he wrote or co-wrote for various artists. His movie collaborations included Over the Top, American Anthem and Rambo III. He also co-wrote the official theme songs for the 1988 Summer Olympics and FIFA World Cup.

Tom died February 18, 2023, in Gallatin, Tn.

Tom is survived by his sister, Mary Whitlock Schweitzer (Bruce), a niece and nephew, former wife Hollie Whitlock and her daughter Yohanna Sherman.

The family requests memorials to Drury University, 900 North Benton Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802 or online at https: www.Drury.edu/alumni/giving-forms/give-to-Drury . The Annual Drury Experience Fund (ADF), or Alzheimer's Association, 11433 Olde Cabin Rd, Ste 100, St. Louis, MO 63141. Share your thoughts and memories with family and friends at www.gormanscharpf.com.

A private interment will be held.