Tom was born on December 31, 1933 at his parents’ home in Woodlake, California. He was one of two children born to Aaron and Nova Sweeney. Tom attended school in Woodlake for his entire education. He grew up on a dairy located on Dry Creek Road where the foundation for the milk barn is still there today. Tom served in the U.S. Army as Private First Class from August 13, 1956 to July 29, 1958. He was stationed for a time in France.
On May 8th 1957 Thomas O. Sweeney married Wanda Joy Walker of Lemon Cove, California. He and Wanda grew up across the river from each other and met when he was five years old. Their love affair lasted for almost sixty years.
Thomas loved his family. He also had a special bond with and a love for animals, especially horses. He knew how to care for them and this was widely known. He spent his summer breaks working for various commercial packers, combining his love for animals with his love for the High Sierras. He was a member of the Back Country Horseman. When he wasn’t in the mountains, he was an avid team roper. He was a member of American Cowboy Team Roping Association (ACTRA). He and his beloved wife Wanda lead the Woodlake 4-H horsemanship group for a number of years. Thomas worked on cattle ranches, at a chicken processing facility and worked for Wheeling Pacific for a number of years before retiring from Kawneer.
In his later years, he acquired two donkeys and broke one of them to pull his pony cart. His picture of his beloved donkey Adrian and pony cart is on the wall at the Runway Café in Woodlake. He also leaves behind another donkey named Willy, whose picture has appeared in many issues of a couple of mule magazines. Willy has a number of tricks taught to him by Tom.
Tom is survived by his sister Belva (Clyde) Stevenson, his three children Gerald Dwain (Pamela) Sweeney, Thomison Joy (Alex) Sweeney-Aiello, Erin Suzanne Sweeney, and his grandchildren; Alexandria Joy Aiello, Kyle Dwain Sweeney, and Caleb Michael Sweeney. He is preceded in death by his parents Aaron and Nova Sweeney, and his wife Wanda Joy Sweeney.
Thomas was a quiet person with a big heart, who has left a strong influence on his children, grandchildren, and all those who spent time with him. His memory will be cherished and the legacy he left behind. He will be missed greatly.
