Thomas Sylvester

1932 - 2020

Thomas Gene Sylvester

On December 24, 2020, Thomas left us, after a long battle with Lung Problems, and in the loving care of his wife Mary Ann and sister-in-law June McDade he went to join his heavenly family.

Thomas was born in Delta City, Mississippi on June 22, 1932. To Lani & Louis Sylvester. He was raised by his mother Lani Shoemaker and stepfather Ben Shoemaker in Jackson, Mississippi. His childhood memories were filled with summertime life on his Grandfather Booz' farm, with his family members and cousins.

Thomas entered the Navy at 17, expecting to see the world, only to become involved in the Korean War Conflict, serving four years, being discharged in Seattle. His ship was often found at Hunter's Point in San Francisco. Which is where he met and married a young woman, Irene McKay, which kept him on the West Coast.

He and his first wife Irene had three beautiful daughters, Lynn (Mike Keller), Susan (Bob Riley), and Dorene (Lou Hodgekiss).

Leaving the Navy, he soon became involved in the Engineering Field, working as an apprentice for various locations in the city and finally becoming a permanent employee for Wonder Bread and Hostess Cakes, working his way up to Chief Engineer. He worked for Continental Baking Co. for 42 years. He enjoyed working for the Bakery and working with all the many people he encountered along the way. He never met a challenge he could not meet. He traveled on many occasions on business for CBC enjoying all the new avenues put before him.

He married his second wife Mary Ann in 1974. They resided in Daly City until 2017 when they moved to So. California.

Not one to do nothing upon retirement he joined SIRS #4, serving as Big Sir in 2005. The Pacific Rod and Gun Club, serving as President in 2006. The Verdi Club in San Francisco and the Elks #2091 of So. San Francisco. Also joining the Elks #2389 in Yucaipa, CA. upon his move to southern California.

His sister Ruth Bolter preceded him in death.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, Lynn & Mike Keller, Sue & Bob Riley, Dorene & Lou Hodgekiss and his grandchildren and great grandchildren of whom he was extremely proud of, Shauna Keller, husband Josh Whamond, and son Aiden, daughter Madelyn, Michael Keller, wife Janna, son Wesley, Nick Riley, wife Beth and daughter Rachel and son Daniel, Sarah, husband Brian Knight, Christopher Sylvester, wife Anita, son Jameson, Andrew Borenstein, wife Kaylynn and sons Owen and Jack. His brother and sister-in-law Herman & Orlette Shumaker of Brandon, Mississippi. Sister and Brother-in-law, Dixie and Robert Hemphill of Madison, Mississippi. Sister-in-law, Helen Shumaker also of Brandon. Nephews Justin Klapp, Tim Shumaker (Mandy), Dean Hemphill (Jenna). Their children Jordon & Josh Shumaker. Marybeth & Zach Hemphill. His sister-in-law June McDade and niece Teresa & Michael Ameluxen, great nieces, Misty Laur, Christy Ameluxen and great nephew Caiden Laur, great niece Ember Laur, and many more relatives and friends.

There will be a service at Duggan's in Daly City in 2021, for the family and close members of the family.