Thomas J. Whalen

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November 14, 1938 – October 20, 2020

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Thomas J. Whalen, 81, passed away of Alzheimer’s on Oct. 20, 2020, in Tumwater, WA. He was born November 14, 1938 to James and Elda Whalen at Timber Lake and resided in the Washington cities of Tenino for 51 years, Pe Ell for six years and Rainier for 20 years.

He graduated from Rainier High School in 1957, and served in the US Navy from 1959 to 1963. Thomas was stationed in San Diego, CA and served in Guam aboard the ship USS Helena.

He married Sharon Pettit December 22, 1961, in Tenino, WA.

Thomas worked 29 years at Weyerhaeuser Company, driving a log truck and working on log trains. He also worked 13 years at Olympia Brewing in the Bottlehouse. He was a volunteer firefighter in Tenino, and a member of the Tenino Masonic Lodge #86, Scottish Rite and Tenino Fraternal Order of Eagles #564. His favorite hobby was working with metal.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; sons Steve (Pamela) of Elma, WA, Brian (Desire) of Olympia, WA, and John (Lynette) of Chehalis, WA; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brothers Robert (Mardene) of Parker, AZ, Darrell, Kenneth and Dennis, all of Rainier; and sisters Marcella of Rainier and Patricia (Charles) of Grayland, WA.

Due to the pandemic, there will be no public service. The family held a private gathering at Masonic Memorial Park in Tumwater.