Thomas Louis Shifflett

Thomas Louis Shifflett slipped away to be with our mom in the early hours of September 28th. Tom, aka ‘Lewis’ to his family and friends in West Virginia, was born on December 3, 1934. He was the quintessential West Virginia boy. Born in Oak Hill, he was out the door early, his dogs by his side. Fishing and exploring with his friends, collecting firewood for his family and some to sell. Always home in time for dinner with his family..and often second dinner with friends who had 12 kids…so what was one more! He was raised in a coal mining town,his dad was a coal miner. Tom’s high school career ended rather abruptly when he slyly put the long braid of the girl sitting in front of him into the inkwell on his desk. She was always flipping her braids and the temptation for mischievous Lewis was not to be passed up. After a brief one day stint in the coal mines, Tom decided his next adventure would be to join the Marines. Seventeen years old Tom left Oak Hill with a letter of permission from his mother. He turned 18 on a beach in Korea. Dad landed in California the summer of 1955. Cruising in his Chevy, he and his pal spied our mom and her friend in front of a movie theater. Dad was smitten. Three months later they were married, eloping to Kingman, Arizona. Tom and Eda started a family in 1957 with the birth of their daughter, Cindy. A diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis for our mom and a transfer from North Carolina back to California did not slow them down. They added another daughter to their family with the birth of Cristy. Our dad embraced the role of girl dad with gusto! They settled in Oceanside and purchased their forever home. They also purchased an RV, which made travel for our mom possible. We traveled all over the US. Our dad loved to fish and golf. He was a member of the USMC golf team and was a caddy for Sam Snead in his younger years. Dad embraced his 26 year military career. He was a natural leader, the head of Military Police in both 29 Palms and Camp Pendleton. Our dad retired at the age of 43 to care for our mom. They continued to travel the country in their RV, adding a dune buggy to tow along. Both were pet lovers, our family always loved on at least one dog. When not traveling, our parents were regular fixtures at The Plaza Hotel in Vegas, specifically playing in Bingo tournaments. This became a quarterly jaunt and they made new friends to add to their massive Christmas card list!

When mom passed in 2016, Dad spent the next 10 years enjoying his independence. He continued to make that quarterly jaunt. He spent time with his friends, old and new. I’ve just recently learned how beloved our dad was by all his neighbors. He was genuinely interested in their lives..their pets, and how they were remodeling their homes. His happy demeanor and good natured attitude were contagious. He was all about his grandkids. Six weeks after his granddaughter was born, a daughter was born to one of Pete’s brothers. Born on dad’s birthday, he immediately went around saying he had TWO granddaughters.

Dad was overjoyed when our son married and welcomed his wife, Courtney with open arms! Two great granddaughters followed and Dad did not miss the significance! He beamed with pride in his girl dad,granddad and girl Papa.

Dad is survived by his two daughters. A son in law he considered a son. Five grandkids. Two great granddaughters. His beloved older sister and younger brother, in addition to countless nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews! Rest in peace Dad. Mom, along with your parents, brother, and baby sister, numerous pets and buddies that went before you, have waited long enough. We love you both so much.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 1:00 p.m. at Eternal Hills Mortuary Chapel, located at 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, California, 92054. Please arrive by 12:45 p.m.

A shelter service with USMC military honors will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 11:15 a.m. at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA. Please arrive by 11:00 a.m., Lane 2.