Thomas King

Thomas Donald “Tom” King died Oct. 27, 2004, at his home in Oak Harbor surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born March 1, 1942, in Allentown, Pa., to Richard P. and Althea (Mertz) King.

Tom attended Central Catholic High School in Allentown following which, in 1960, he entered the U.S. Navy. Tom received basic training at Great Lakes and then was sent to his first duty station with VT-26 at Beeville, Texas. From 1963 to 1965 he was stationed at Argentia, Newfoundland, where he met his future wife Philomena Keating. Tom and Philomena were married in St. John’s, Newfoundland, March 13, 1965.

Tom was then transferred to Atsugi, Japan, for a three-year tour with VC-5. Subsequent tours of duty included multiple tours at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station as well as tours of duty at Jacksonville, Fla., Lakehurst, N.J., and Beeville, Texas. Tom finished his last six years in the Navy at NAS Whidbey, serving as maintenance chief of VAQ-130 and ending his career at NAMTD.

He retired from the Navy in 1989 as an AVCM (E-9) with 30 years of military service. Following his retirement, Tom went to work for the Boeing Aircraft Company as an avionics inspector. During a layoff period, he found a part-time position at the auto center at Ault Field and within a short time was promoted to manager of the center. Tom was recalled to Boeing, but eventually due to failing health was forced to take a medical retirement.

Tom was a member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church of Oak Harbor, the Retired Chief Petty Officers Association, the Knights of Columbus, John E. O’Brien Council No. 3361, Whidbey-Fidalgo and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Whitehead-Muzzall Post 7392, of Oak Harbor.

Tom was an avid gardener and also enjoyed researching and collecting coins. However, his first love was his family (including his two constant companions, his Shelties Taylor and Maddie) with a close second being his military career and military aviation. He enjoyed time spent with shipmates, many of whom knew him as “Tommy Two Star” for his master chief insignia. He loved being near the ocean and enjoyed trips to Reno.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife Philomena at the family home, Oak Harbor; by his three sons, Richard and Nikole King of North Bend, Keith King of Marysville and David King of Oak Harbor; his parents, Richard and Althea King of Allentown, Pa.; two brothers, Richard and Dennis King, both of Allentown; and two granddaughters, Sarah and Hannah King of North Bend. One brother, Michael King, preceded him in death.

Funeral Mass for Thomas D. King will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 30, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church with Capt. David Young, CHC, USN (Ret) as Celebrant and Rev. Ronald Belisle as Con-Celebrant. Interment with full military honors will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery. A reception for family and friends will be held at the Parish Hall at St. Augustine’s Church immediately follow the committal. Memorials in Tom’s name may be made to Friends of Home Health, 101 N. Main St. Coupeville, WA 98239.

Arrangements by Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.