Thomas Henry Watts

      Thomas Henry Watts was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Thomas will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

       He was the son of Rose and Tom Watts. Thomas grew up in Mitchell, Nebraska and Cottage Grove, Oregon.

      Thomas was raised with six siblings. He had six sisters, Dora, Fran, Mary, Ruth, Betty, and Jeraldine. Thomas was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      As a young boy, Thomas had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Thomas was an active child who took part in basketball. In his spare time he liked farming. Thomas' memorable achievements included. However, to Thomas, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

      A typical teenager, Thomas had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Social Studies.

      On September 3, 1954 Thomas exchanged wedding vows with Mabel Faye Baker at Olympia Courthouse of Olympia, Washington. Empathic and loyal, Thomas was committed to making his new family happy.

      Thomas worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Thomas was blessed with two girls and three boys, two daughters, Fayeanne, and Cindy, and three sons, Mike, Bob and Pat. Another blessing for Thomas was the gift of nine grandchildren, Jennifer, Kevin, Richard, Miles, Angie, Heather.

      Fortunately, Thomas enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Thomas worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was maintenance. He was employed for State of Washington. Thomas always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Thomas was an Army veteran. He was in the United States. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of E5. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

      Thomas enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were gold mining, and puzzles. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Thomas found pleasure in sports. Recreational sports included bowling. Thomas was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were basketball.

      Throughout his life, Thomas was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Thomas was an active member of the American Legion.

      Thomas was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs. So it is little wonder that he took an active role in his community, serving on committees for the American Legion.

      Thomas’s faith was important to him. He was a member a non denominational church. During that time, he was Sunday School teacher.

      Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Thomas was given accolades for his many and varied accomplishments throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included American Legion.

      Thomas enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included being an Arizona Snowbird.

      Thomas was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Highclimer, cat and Penny and Charley, dogs. They were best friends for 10 years for the cat, 17 1/2 years and 7 years for the dogs.

      When Thomas’s retirement finally arrived in 1983, he was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Olympia, Washington. Even in retirement, Thomas continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Thomas was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Thomas passed away on January 29, 2015 at Provicdence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington. Brain hemorage from a fall. He is survived by Fayeanne, Cindy, Mike and Bob. Services were held at Mills & Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater, Washington. Thomas was laid to rest in Mills & Mills Memorial Park.

      Simply stated, Thomas was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Thomas leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Thomas Henry Watts.