November 14, 1938 – October 20, 2020
Thomas J. Whalen, 81, passed away of Alzheimer’s on Oct. 20, 2020, in Tumwater, WA. He was born Nov. 14, 1938 to James and Elda Whalen at Timber Lake. He resided in the Washington cities of Tenino for 51 years, Pe Ell for six years, and Rainier for 20 years.
Thomas graduated from Rainier High School with the Class of 1957, and served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1963. He 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 for 29 years at Weyerhaeuser Company, driving a log truck and working on log trains. He also worked 13 years at Olympia Brewing. 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 and wife Pamela of Elma, WA., Brian and wife Desire of Olympia, WA, and John and wife Lynette of Chehalis, WA.; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brothers Robert and wife Mardene of Parker, AZ, Darrell, Kenneth and Dennis, all of Rainier; and sisters Marcella of Rainier and Patricia and husband Charles of Grayland, WA.
Due to the pandemic, there will be no public service. The family had a private gathering at Masonic Memorial Park in Tumwater. Arrangements are with Funeral Alternatives of Washington.