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BORN
1920
DIED
2012
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Waldron Thomas Obituary
December 2, 1920 - September 26, 2012
Resident of San Jose
Waldron E. "Tom" Thomas was born and raised in Struthers, Ohio. He graduated from Struthers High School in June 1939 and, later that month he hitchhiked to Cincinnati, OH to enlist in the United States Marine Corps (USMC). He served his country and the USMC for the next 27 #189; years retiring as a Major. He was a veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. As a member of the 1st Parachute Battalion he was in the initial battles of Guadalcanal and Gavutu. In 1955 he ventured to Antarctica as part of a USMC Security Force with Admiral Bird. He was transferred from Cherry Point, NC to San Jose, CA and served as the Commanding Officer at the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Training Center located at 19th and Mission in San Jose from 1959 to 1964. His last tour of duty before retiring was served in Vietnam.
After his discharge from the USMC in 1966, Tom went to work at FMC in San Jose as a Logistics Analyst in the design and manufacture of amphibious Troop Transports. After 19 years at FMC, he retired in 1986. He enjoyed the next 26 years of retirement in San Jose.
Tom married his high school sweetheart Annabelle Holley from Struthers, Ohio on May 13, 1944. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this past May. Ann and Tom lived in West San Jose for 53 years and had three daughters Miriam (deceased), Virginia and Jackie. He is survived by his wife Ann, daughters Virginia and Jackie and his sister Eleanor Roos of Cerritos, California.
Tom was quick to laugh or lend a helping hand. He loved his family and extended military friends and families and took great joy from the many friends who were part of his life. Tom was a living example of integrity, honor, friendship and devotion. A private, family service was held on September 28th at Los Gatos Memorial Park in California. The USMC Reservists from 19th Mission St. served as Honor Guards.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Waldron Thomas
Virginia Thomas
September 27, 2024
Dad I can´t believe it´s 12 years since you said goodbye. I visited you recently with a friend and your home of 50+ years. It´s not anything like it was and yet that big curb tree is still beautiful. I recall all the times you mowed that lawn and the care you took keeping it so nice. I miss you so much. I´m headed east to my childhood memories and recall the garden you had for us. You loved growing those tomatoes. Bless you Dad. Love you so much.
Virginia A Thomas
April 27, 2024
Hi Dad, I´m at a crossroads and decided to move East. My upbringing there has fond memories and a southern way of life I cherished. I´m praying for your encouragement and guidance on my decision. Please know I think of you often and look for guidance from our Lord. I know you believed in God as do I. So my prayers are with you now. 2024
Virginia Thomas
September 27, 2020
Hey Dad I cannot believe it’s been 8 years since your passing. Miss you and our football Sunday’s. 49ers happen to be winning today. Lots going on in the world now and I miss that you’re not here to answer my questions on the world history. You always amazed me on what you knew about every country’s government, production, culture, major outports, etc. So Google and I have spent a lot of time looking those questions up but it’s not the same. I miss your jokes, your sense of humor, sitting on the front porch and the blanket you would always put on me when I fell asleep on the couch. I wish that I could have taken away all your pain that you carried with you for years and never seem to have resolved. You’re at peace now and that is what we all can hope when it’s our time. Like you always said “God Bless”. Your daughter, Virginia
Terry Sutfin
October 11, 2012
A tremendous and clear influence on my life while I was growing up, Major Thomas was a steady and sturdy example of an American patriot. He loved his country, his family, and The Corps. He was "Always Faithful". I will miss him.
October 10, 2012
I'll always have fond memories of Major Thomas. He lived across the street from my grandma as I grew up, and his example of service, family, and community will stay with me always. God Speed to the Major, and all my best to his family. With love, Ginnie Sutfin
October 10, 2012
To the family,
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy and condolences in your loss. As a member of FirstAirDelCo, in San Jose I came to know Tommy in a personal as well as in a professional relationship. Everyone that had the privilege of serving with him held him in very high regard.
Semper Fi Tommy,
Al Cheney
Captain, USMCR
October 10, 2012
We'll always have Camp Cloudburst. Our love to Ann, Ginge, Jackie and Michael, who will be "family" forever. Steve and Linda Wills, Janice, Andy, Casey and their families
October 4, 2012
Sleep tight Dad. Love Virginia
Dick Whitaker
October 3, 2012
"Tommy" May god bless you and your family as you enter Heaven's Gates guarded by United States Marines!
I served proudly during your command at 1st Air delivery Company and survived more than one equiptment "Air Drop" and subsequent parachute jump under your wise and considerate tutelage.
Thanks for the memories my friend, and enjoy your well earned rest after an outstanding career in keeping America strong.
Semper Fidelis,
Dick Whitaker
S/SGT USMCR
Chaplain Richard Reuer
October 3, 2012
I wish to extend to you and to members of your family my deepest sympathy on your loss. May the Lord's loving promises comfort you and give you strength as you walk through this difficult time. On behalf of a grateful nation as an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one. (If you wish a personalized memorial card mailed to you with history of playing of taps, 21 gun salute, meaning of each fold of the flag as a keepsake, mail to: Chaplain Richard Reuer, Honoring Those Who Served Ministry, 1206 6th St SW, Minot, ND 58701. (This is a free service to fallen veteran families.) Thank you. Semper Fi
Darling Fischer Chapel of the Hills
October 2, 2012
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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