Thomas Folk

1932 - 2025

Thomas R. Folk, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully at home on October 16th, 2025 at the wonderous age of 93. Tom was born on May 31, 1932, to John and Wilma Folk in Puyallup, Washington. He grew up alongside his brother Bill and sisters Francis and Sherri, and together they learned the value of family, hard work, and kindness; qualities that would define Tom's life for the next 93 years.

Known for being a family man Tom and Phyllis shared ten children together and worked diligently on the family farm located off River Road in Tacoma for over 25 years. After retirement from Hygrade, Phyllis and Tom began sharing their time between Clear Lake, in Eatonville, and Lahaina Shores, on Maui. Tom could be found playing cribbage, fishing, tinkering in his shop, working on projects or watering his grass and tomato plants. Tom served as the Water Commissioner on Clear Lake from 2006 to 2015 and was passionate about the community around the lake and his home, The Show Boat.

Tom's dedication to his family was palpable and his favorite thing was welcoming people into his home. His door was always open for friends, family and neighbors. He was a proud grandpa to 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Each of them could tell you they were his favorite, because he told them so, in his signature way: "Don't tell anyone, but you're my favorite" before he got off the phone with you. It was his way of letting every single one of us know that we were deeply loved and special in his eyes.

Tom was a proud member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic church and lived and breathed the word of the Lord in everything he did. He is now in Heaven, where he belongs, with his wife Phyllis, his daughter Pam and son, Dennis and countless other friends and family.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you donate to the Eatonville Family Agency's "General Fund" at www.eatonvillefamilyagency.org/donations in his honor.

Even in his death, Tom was a family man, signing his last request "I love you all the same" – and he did. He had enough room in his heart for his entire large and loving family. Please join us as we celebrate his life on Friday, November 14th at 10 a.m. at Holy Disciples Church in Puyallup.