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Thomas Waddell Obituary
Thomas "Tom" Ramon Waddell (79), passed away on November 29th 2020. Tom is survived by his wife of 43 years Elvira Waddell as well as his 4 remaining siblings Irma Mendoza; Eugene Waddell, Gloria Hurtado; Eva Hurtado, and 7 children Tom A. Waddell; Daniel "Danny" Waddell; Theresa "Terri" Waddell-Motter; ; Doreen Waddell-Sweiss; Jessica Waddell; Dion Waddell; Anthony "Hondo" Waddell. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Tom Sr. And Ramona, as well as his siblings Olivia Green, Olga Clark, and Cathy Lucero-Waddell.
Tom was born on September 5th 1941 in Tolleson, Az and was raised in a life of farming on his father's farm in Arrowhead Ranch. He went on to create his own farming business, Tom Waddell Farms, growing as large as 10,000 acres with over 300 employees and 2 full-time packing sheds. He began growing cotton in the early 1960's and expanded into produce and feed over the next 60 years working along with his father Tom Sr. and brother Eugene, as well as the help from almost every other family member at one time or another through the decades. Along with farming Thomas built many successful businesses in the Valley, some including Waddell General Partnership, Navajo Marketing and Navajo Pump and Supply which he ran with his friend Roy Plumlee. Tom was also involved in many ventures in his life outside of farming. He was the chairman of the Maricopa and Lake Pleasant Water Districts, advising member of the Department of Agriculture and a Foreign Agricultural Advisor for many countries on behalf of the US government. Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be dearly missed. Services will be held Friday, December 11th 2020 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Avondale, Az at 10:00am.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Waddell
6 Entries
Frances Chavez Jones
January 13, 2021
I remember being a small girl growing up next door to Tom and Birdie. He was so kind my mom was a single mother raising us the best she could. My little sister was in class with Jessica also. I remember on many occasions coming home and Tom left watermelon at our door he would get from his farm. He also shared fresh butchered meat with us a few times which meant we had food and my mom could pay other bills instead of using her money for food. His generosity and kindness to my family has never left me. God bless you Tom and your family. The Chavez family thanks you for lessons of kindness and generosity!
Frances Chavez Jones
January 13, 2021
I remember being a small girl growing up next door to Tom and Birdie. He was so kind my mom was a single mother raising us the best she could. My little sister was in class with Jessica also. I remember on many occasions coming home and Tom left watermelon at our door he would get from his farm. He also shared fresh butchered meat with us a few times which meant we had food and my mom could pay other bills instead of using her money for food. His generosity and kindness to my family has never left me. God bless you Tom and your family. The Chavez family thanks you for lessons of kindness and generosity!
Elvira Waddell
December 9, 2020
One of the best memories of my husband is when we were in Rocky Point and we would get up every morning and drink our coffee and have our pan dulce watching the ocean talking about what he was going to do for the day and what he wanted for dinner. We would usually repeat it when he got home .He would have a dos equis and I would have a sol along with his guacamole and chips and talk about his day. I will miss that in Rocky Point and any where else I may be. The day Heavenly Father took my Tomas home to Heavenly I knew my life would never be the same. We will be together again one day. I miss you so very much mi amour.Love you always.
Your veja
Birdie
Elvira
December 9, 2020
I will remember sitting on the porch drinking coffee at our Rocky Point home on the front porch looking at the ocean . Then repeating the same thing when you got back from town later in the late afternoon only with a dos equis and some guacamole and chips. Dancing in the moon light, I will miss doing all that with you my beautiful handsome man. I miss you with all my heart and soul. We will be together again one day my love. IT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME HERE WITH OUT YOU!!
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Ron Piceno
December 9, 2020
Tom was a good friend of mine and that of my employer, Congressman Ed Pastor. Tom had a very big philanthropic heart. He never said "No" to a charitable cause that he believed was worthwhile and benefitted the underserved community of the Valley. Rest in peace my friend.
Jim & Peggy Pase
December 8, 2020
We have lots of fond memories over the 40 years we’ve known the Waddell family. Family weddings and celebrations, Thanksgiving events, and fun times at Playa Encanto were the best!! Grief is so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Sending you all hugs and offering prayers for Tom and your family. We love you!
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