Thomas Strong Jr.

STRONG, Jr., Thomas, "Tom", 89, of Sun City West, Arizona, a United States Navy Veteran, and an American Legion Member, passed away on January 07, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Jefferson Strong, Sr., and Della Mae (nee Coday) Strong; his brothers, Russell Strong, and Robert Strong; and his sisters, Cora-Frances Horton, and Peggy Strong.Tom was born on September 09, 1926, in Roy, New Mexico, and upon graduation from Roy High School, he immediately enlisted in the United States Navy, where he fought in both Pacific and European Theatres, during WWII. After the war, he attended Colorado State University, and the University of Southern California. After relocating to California, he joined the Los Angeles Police Department. Shortly thereafter, Thomas married his childhood sweetheart, Joan "JoAnn" Wendland. Tom and JoAnn had a beautiful life together.Tom retired from the LAPD after 21 years. During his career, he rose through the ranks to Detective Sergeant, in the Intelligence Division. One of his duties was providing security for Governor Ronald Reagan. Tom was thrilled several years later, when then President-Elect Reagan, invited him and JoAnn to his inauguration. After retiring from the police department, Tom was employed by the Legal Department of Exxon Corporation. After rising to the position of Assistant Chief Special Agent, he retired in 1986. Tom and JoAnn lived for a short time in Salt Lake City, and then set down roots in Sun City West, Arizona. Tom's retired life was enriched through his involvement with his church in various aspects, especially the prayer ministry. He is survived by his beloved wife, of 66 years, Joan "JoAnn" Strong; his loving children, daughter, Debbie (Dennis) Strong Umber; and son, Kevin Strong; granddaughter, Christa (Burt) Campbell, granddaughter, Erin (DJ) June; step-grandson, Blake (Tracine) Umber; great-grandchildren, Keegan Campbell, Scarlett Campbell, Berkley Campbell, Kodak June, Stryker June, and Bryce Umber. Tom truly had a wonderful life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Arrangements entrusted to Surprise Funeral Care. A Visitation will be held on Friday, January 15, 2016, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W. Bell Road, Surprise, AZ 85374. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at 11:00 AM, at the Community Church of Joy, 21000 N. 75th Avenue, Glendale, Arizona, 85308. A Committal Service, with Military Honors, will be held on Tuesday, January, 19, 2016, at 10:00 AM, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona, 85024. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation to the Hospice of the Valley. To sign the guestbook, and leave condolences and well-wishes for the family, please visit, www.surprisefuneralcare.com.