Thomas Charles "Tom" Core Sr

Thomas Charles "Tom" Core Sr passed from this world and into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the morning of January 11, 2024. He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Charles Core, his mother, Susan Core, siblings Glenn Core, Elizabeth "Betty" Battle, Gerald "Jay" Core and his wife, Julie Core.
He is survived by his wife, Diana "Dee", his children Robert Core (Terri), Rena Kerley (Fred Jr.), son Thomas Jr, and daughter Beverly Yergeau (Mark); siblings John Core, Sue "Toots" Marine, and Richard "Dick" Core; and grandchildren Alyssa Little (Blake), Kaylee Yergeau (Tycen), Kimberly Core, Timothy Core, Ryan Wilder, Cody Kerley, and Justin Kerley. He is also survived by great-grandsons Oliver Little and Jensen Little.
Tom grew up in the Cispus Valley in Lewis County, WA and attended school at White Pass
Elementary and High School. It was there that he developed a foundational network of friends and family who were strongly influential and supportive of him for the rest of his life.
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, wherein he served two tours of duty in Vietnam, in the 3rd Shore Party Battalion, Engineering and Operational Support. He was awarded a Purple Heart and numerous awards for marksmanship.
After his service he married his wife Julie and worked in a variety of trades, including the timber industry, heavy construction, automotive mechanical (diesel and gas). He eventually settled into a career as a journeyman electrician.
Tom was an avid fisherman and hunter whose goal was, although he loved the sport, always "meat in the freezer". His favorite game to hunt was elk, which he hunted with family and close friends in their special spot, for well over sixty years.
When grandchildren showed up in his life, he and Julie delighted in spending time with them: cooking their favorite meals, spoiling them with treats and presents, and taking them camping for the annual wild huckleberry trip. His grandchildren, now adults, will always cherish these memories.
Several years after Julie's passing, Tom reunited with his first wife, Dee. They eventually remarried and settled in Selah, where life was much slower-paced than it was west of the Cascades. Tom and Dee enjoyed many great moments there together. Despite health complications, Tom's last days were spent in an idyllic setting, among the apple and cherry orchards, surrounded by wildlife and embraced by serenity.
A Celebration of Life for Tom will be held late spring of 2024, date and location To Be Announced.
Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. www.brooksidefuneral.com