Charles Thomas "Tom" Schuster

Tom left us on Friday, May 2, 2025, but we are rejoicing that he is in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born on April 23, 1935, Tom was well-known in the Kamiah and Pomeroy areas as he was an incredibly good friend to all and the best of fathers to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Tom was born to Ted and Margret Schuster on April 23, 1935, in Spokane. He was one of seven children growing up and attending school in St. John, Wash., until he was in the seventh grade. At that time, his family moved to Clarkston where Tom went to high school and graduated in 1953. He met, dated and married Joanne Osborn on June 3, 1956, and they lived in the Pomeroy area where he was a farm hand for a large farm. Two children were born there, Mark and Debbie. They bought and moved to a ranch/farm at Kamiah in 1960 on the Beaverslide area. There, a third child, Patty, was added. Tom farmed, ranched and drove log truck to support his family. He also bought a backhoe and a small truck to start his own small excavation business.
Beyond work, Tom and Joanne found Christ in a private Bible study with friends, which changed their lives immensely. They were involved with the American Sunday School Union and through it became part of a Bible Camp ministry as counselors and teachers. The facility they were using, known as Camp O'Hara, for the camping ministry, had to be torn down as it had several incredibly old buildings and was on Forest Service ground. A new location was founded at Harpster where Tom served on the first camp board for the ALACCA Bible Conference. He used his abilities and equipment to help construct the camp from the ground up, including a bridge across the river and many of the buildings you see there today. His legacy goes on through his grandson, who is the current director of ALACCA Bible camp. While farming on the mountains above Kamiah, he would be able to listen to KMBI radio and wanted the whole valley to have access to this station. He and his dear friend Leo Hill contacted Moody Bible Institute as representatives of the ALACCA Board and orchestrated the building of three translator towers. These all are still broadcasting God's message over the Clearwater Valley today.
Tom and Joanne always had many Bible studies in their home and took over the leadership of the Glenwood Sunday School when the founders had to move away up until about 1990. Tom and Joanne sold their farm and bought one in the Fort Misery area outside Kamiah in 1976. They farmed there until 1995 when he sold and moved outside of Pomeroy to a farm, which they still own today. Tom retired from active farming in 2010 and moved to Clarkston in 2018, where he resided until his passing.
Tom was well-known because he never knew a stranger. If he met you, he usually would remember your name next time he saw you and knew what your accomplishments and or struggles were. He cared for people and was a great encourager. Friends and neighbors would bring their broken equipment to Tom as he was a good mechanic and a very good welder. He made many friendships that last to this day. Tom and Joanne were always very connected and helpful in the churches they attended.
Tom is survived by his wife of nearly 69 years, Joanne; his sister Rosemary Cook, son Mark Schuster (Jo), daughters Debbie Steingraber (Paul), and Patty Johnson (Dan). They have 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
A few of Tom's favorite activities were camping in the backwoods and riding four-wheelers. After retirement Tom and Joanne RV-ed to Arizona in the winter for about four years. He loved to talk to people and learn about their lives.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at Orchards Community Church, 822 Bryden Ave., Lewiston. Friends and family are invited to attend and share a celebration of a remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to ALACCA Bible Conference Building Program, 101 China Garden Road, Harpster, ID 83552.
The family would like to thank Elite Home Health and Hospice and Open Arms Home Care for their great support and help during this time.