Thomas E. Wasson

ALLENSTOWN -- Thomas E. Wasson, 94, died Dec. 8, 2010, at Epsom Health Care Center after a 15-year battle with cancer.

He was born and raised in Deerfield but made Allenstown his home for more than 61 years. He graduated from Central High School in Manchester.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII with the 111th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, stationed in Europe as a light truck driver. He was a member of the Hoague-Batchelder Post 103 American Legion for more than 60 years.

He retired after more than 35 years with state Fish and Game Department as a biologist aide, focusing primarily on beaver control and deer and pheasant management. Before that, he worked for the state park system, including Bear Brook and Pawtuckaway State parks. In the 1930s and 1940s he was a Deerfield volunteer firefighter and a state fire warden.

He had a market garden, a well-known pumpkin patch and ran a small sand pit behind his house. During retirement, he helped his wife run a day care center, becoming "Dada Tom" to dozens of children.

IN HIS LIFE: Tom loved his family, friends, hunting, fishing and clamming. He dedicated his life to the study and preservation of wildlife. He was proud of his N.H. roots and loved living in the Granite State.

He is predeceased by his wife, Hazel Wasson; mother Mabel; a sister, Viola; and brothers, Joseph, Vernon, Clarence and twin brother Harry.

He leaves his daughter Beverly Wasson of Allenstown, and several nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: Calling hours are Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Still Oaks Funeral & Memorial Home, 1217 Suncook Valley Highway, Epsom. The Rev. David Randlett will officiate at services on Monday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Pembroke, at 3 p.m.

Memorial donation may be made to the American Legion Hoague-Batchelder Post 103, P.O. Box 158, Deerfield 03037-0158, or the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Dept., 108 Raymond Road, P.O. Box 90, Deerfield, 03037-0159. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook by visiting www.stilloaks.com.