Thomas John Williams

Tom was born on September 22, 1928 in Jackson, Michigan to Richard John and Elizabeth Catherine (Kilpatrick) Williams. He graduated from St. John School in 1946 where he often played piano for school dances and sang for the local radio station. After graduating from Jackson Junior College in 1949 he moved to Klamath Falls where he worked on a dairy ranch while attending Oregon Technical Institute. Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952, directly after graduation from Oregon Technical Institute. After boot camp, he attended Hospital Corps School in San Diego. He was then stationed at Oakland Naval Hospital laboratory where one of his duties was on the only artificial kidney team west of the Mississippi River. He then served as a medical technologist aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Lexington until he was honorably discharged in 1956. While stationed in Oakland, Tom married Ann M. Miley on September 4, 1954. They returned to Oregon and ranched near Creswell until December 1956 when they moved to Corvallis. He began work in the laboratory at Good Samaritan Hospital as a medical technologist while also attending Oregon State University from 1957 to 1962. Tom became manager of the laboratory and continued to work at the hospital until his retirement in 1992. Tom was active in St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a member of the American Medical Technologists. He received numerous state and national AMT awards and served in many capacities on the state level. Tom was known in the community of St. Mary's for his singing and his abundant family. He entertained friends and family with song and storytelling and impressed them with his strength of character. His greatest joy was his family and the gatherings around the dinner table and most especially dessert! He was graceful in his interactions with others and his children are forever grateful for his ability to firmly guide and never judge. His ability to listen will be missed. He was a gentle prankster and delighted in the antics and achievements of his children and grandchildren who will miss the sound of his distinctive laugh and the glorious twinkle in his eyes. There are none like him. Tom was preceded in death by his wife Ann, a grandson, Jacob Joy, and son-in-law Daryl Kahahane. Tom and Ann were married for 52 years when Ann passed away April 27th 2007. He is survived by daughters, Catherine Williams of Corvallis, OR; Therese Williams of Pacifica, CA; Patricia Kahahane of Lahaina, HI; Julie Williams and her partner Marianne Vydra of Corvallis, OR; and sons, Thomas Jr. and his wife Cindy of Salem, OR; Jim and his wife Karla of Samammish, WA; eight grandchildren, Matt and Kendall Joy, Lauren and Rebecca Williams, Marlon Williams, Ariel and Ciara Kahahane, and Vaughan Williams; and four siblings Barbara Richardson of Jackson, MI, Richard Williams of Jackson, MI, Patricia Bryson of Jackson, MI and Margaret Lasky of Marshall, MI. Tom had a beautiful, unwavering faith so we celebrate him reuniting with loved ones who passed before him. In the spirit of celebration, his children and grandchildren request casual, colorful attire for his services. Funeral services will be Saturday, September 24th at 9:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Corvallis, with a reception to follow in the social center. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Benton County Hospice.

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Thomas John Williams

September 22, 1928 - August 26, 2016