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Thomas Kerlin Obituary

Kerlin, Thomas Joe
The children of Thomas Joe Kerlin, 76, wish to announce their father passed away January 25th, 2016. Dad grew up in Freeport Il., attending Freeport HS. After graduation he served our country in the US Navy and traveled the world. When he came home he married his first love, childhood sweetheart Joyce Ader (Baceda) and they eventually moved out to "the sun belt" with their two little girls. Settling in Scottsdale Az, Dad started a career at Garrett Turbine Engine Company as a machinist while attending ASU. He received a BS in Business Administration and became a contract negotiator for Garrett which had become Allied Signal. He then married Marie Sheldon (Kerlin) and they had a beautiful son. When he retired he enjoyed travel, golf, and dining out, eventually sharing those activities with Ann Ono. Dad led a full life and was always there for his children. Thomas is survived by his brother Terry (Dorothy), his children Tamara, Dawn, Travis, their spouses, and one extremely rockin' grandchild. We will miss his immeasurable devotion, spunky sense of humor, and cantankerous spirit. Dad, your greatest goal in life was to be there for your kids. We pray that you know we feel you succeeded, admirably. Love you Big Guy! bye bye for now….

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Jun. 19, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
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Kim Brei Blair

September 8, 2017

Tami and Dawn,
Please accept my condolences on Tom's passing, that I learned from cousin Lynn in Freeport. I last spoke with Tom at Aunt Jayne's funeral. I have wanted to thank you for sending Christmas greetings to my mother, Aunt Lolly, for many years. I wish we could have kept in touch. We attended your parents wedding and I believe Wendy and I last saw you at an Uncle Willis corn boil, decades ago. I am writing my family memoirs and have included cousins Tom and Terry. They used to visit us from the Great Lakes Naval Base. My mom and dad, Uncle Bud, visited in Phoenix to help your dad in Accounting when he was in college. Your dad worked very hard, was a self-made man, I heard he had an exceptional career and he very kindly brought aunt Jayne to visit my mom in Milwaukee. He said she was an angel. I wish you both the fondest of memories.

Tami

June 29, 2016

Rivers of living WATER, BEST THING IN THE supernatural WORLD. 'Cant wait to share some with you, All my LOVE.

Travis Kerlin

June 25, 2016

I miss you all the time.

Dad Navy Photo

Dawn Kerlin

June 19, 2016

Dad 2012

Dawn Kerlin

June 19, 2016

Dad with daughter Tamara

Dawn Kerlin

June 19, 2016

Dad on the USS Mispillion circa 1959

Dawn Kerlin

June 19, 2016

Dad home on leave at The Corn Boil with Joyce Ader

Dawn Kerlin

June 19, 2016

Dad, 30something Work Photo

Dawn Kerlin

June 19, 2016

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