Tommy Robert Nakai Sr.

1937 - 2014

Tommy R. Nakai Sr., 77, of Teec Nos Pos, Ariz., passed from this life Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014, in Shiprock. He was born on Feb. 3, 1937, in Lukachukai, Ariz., to Mary Tso and Jack Willie Sr.
Our father was a loving and dedicated father. He worked most of his life as a uranium miner in Colorado. He later retired due to back problems. Tommy picked up his hobby of herding sheep and caring for horses. He was a simple man who took joy and happiness from seeing his grandchildren grow. He delighted in their happiness and their achievements. he had a huge heart that involved raising several of his grandchildren and step-children as his own. Tommy was a hard working man teaching all his children to tend animals, haul firewood, and to respect the greater things in life. He taught from experience, never wanting those same mistakes repeated. He loved his home and always cherished his life. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and traveling. He was married to Elouise for more than 50 years. We are truly blessed to have had a great man in our lives for many years.
Tommy delivered newspapers for The Daily Times for more than 15 years and was a valued circulation team member and friend.
He was preceded in death by his son Robert Nakai; daughter Eleana Nakai; parents; brothers, Ambrose Willie, Herbert Willie and Larry Willie; sister Cecelia Johnson; and great-granddaughter Peyton Nakai. Tommy is survived by his wife Elouise B. Nakai; sons, Tommy Nakai Jr., Frank Nakai Sr., Terry Nez, Cameron Nakai, Colandro Nakai, Jaye Nakai, Brandon Nakai, Raymond Nez, Alfred Saltwater and Danny Nez; daughters, Elarina Nakai, Eleanor (Leroy) Jewelryman, Elvira Parker, Eleanora (Ethan) Yazzie, Sara Nez and Carolyn Irving; brothers, Stanley Willie Sr., Jack Willie Jr., George Tso and Thomas Tso; sisters, Sadie Tso, Alice Tom, Margaret Willie, Fannie Silversmith. Katherine Roy, Betty Clark and Angela Begay; and grandchildren, Zavier, Damaris, Aurelius Yazzie, Kristen Begay, Catrina Johnson, Donovan Nakai, Bryce and Kathleen Parker, Vanessa John, Matthew John, Tylis Nez, Tiata Nez, Keosha Nez, Thurston Nakai, Zachary Nakai, Jennifer Nakai, Brianna Nakai, Briannan Nakai, Frank Nakai Jr., Nianna Watchman, Christian D. Nakai, Charlotte Nez, Yolanda Whitesinger, Jackaphine Saltwater, Jason Saltwater, Shelly Nez and Natasha Benns; great-grandchildren, Jayden Begay, Jaydarian Begay, Rylan Begay, Cayele Wilson, Valen Boyd, Liam Tallbrother, Brolley John, Jordan John, Eliza Nez, Tylis Nez Jr., Tashalle Nez, Michael Cleveland, Mariah Cleveland, Malachi Hathale, Reuben Nakai, Reilly Nakai, Kaedyn Nakai; and numerous other grandkids.
A viewing will be from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, at Desert View Funeral Home in Shiprock. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, in the family plot in Teec Nos Pos, Ariz.
A reception will be at the Teec Nos Pos Chapter House.
Pallbearers are Cameron Nakai, Jaye Nakai, Colandro Nakai, Brandon "Troy" Nakai, Terry Nez and Tylis Nez. Donations may be made to Eleanora Yazzie. Tommy is in the care of Desert View Funeral Home, North U.S. Highway 491, in Shiprock, 505-368-4607.