BOMBER MEMORIAL

WILLIAM THOMAS "TOM" McKEOWN, III ~ Class of 1953
March 24, 1934 - January 9, 2013

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Dad's Prayer...

God, there is somebody knocking on your door tonight and I thought I would give you a little heads up on this guy. He is my dad and he is the absolute strongest and most honorable man I know. Everything I do and everything that has happened to me in the past was in every way hoping that this man was proud of me and whatever it was I was doing. So God know you got a great man just outside your gates, take good care of him, he deserves the best you have to offer.

William Thomas "Tom" McKeown, III, 78, of Walla Walla, lost his 13 year battle with cancer on January 10, 2013, at home surrounded by his family.

Tom was born on March 24, 1934, in Portland, to William T. McKeown II and Jeanne Wilkes McKeown. Tom grew up in Portland until he was 12, and then moved to Richland when he was 13, where he attended Marcus Whitman Grade School, Carmichael Jr. High School, and was a proud Bomber and all-star athlete, graduating from Richland's Columbia High School in 1953.

He attended Central Washington College for one year on a football scholarship. In January 1955, he enlisted in the United States Army, also,that year, he married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Card ('54), who was his soul mate for 57 years. Tom's military career spanned 20 years, many assignments in various locations in the states, and stationed overseas in Germany, Okinawa and Vietnam. After receiving many honors, he retired in 1975.

After retirement at Fort Monroe, VA, Tom and family wanted to move back to the west coast to be near family. He attended Walla Walla Community College and Walla Walla College, and in 1977 he began a 21 year stint in the Sheriff's Office, the last 12 years as captain. A devoted father, grandfather, and husband; Tom was an avid sports fan, coaching sports at many levels. He spent 26 years as a local umpire and referee, being selected to umpire in state and national tournaments numerous times. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports at Walla Walla High School, DeSales, and Touchet. Of all Tom's accomplishments, the greatest of these was his family. His greatest pride was his children.

Tom is survived by his wife, Darlene; children, Theresa (Stan) Mott, Pat (Shannon) McKeown, Kathy (Todd) Richard, Tim (Missy) McKeown; brothers, Jim ('53) and Mike ('60); 14 grandchildren; six greatgrandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Viewing and visitation were January 15th and 16th. Rosary service was held on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, followed by shared stories. The funeral mass will be at St. Patrick's Catholic Church on Thursday, Janurary 17, 2013, at 2:30pm with full military honors. A reception will follow at the church, Blanchette Hall. Grave side service will be a private family affair at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital, "Boys Town" Nebraska, "Smile Train" (Surgery for cleft palate children), St. Mary's Regional Cancer Center, Blue Mountain Humane Society or Touchet Booster Club through the funeral home.

Tom's Sentiment... For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision, but today, well lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Published in the Tri-City Herald on January 16, 2013.

This Guest Book will remain online until 2/15/2013.

Words, in any language, can never express our love and gratitude to the Herring family (Herring Funeral Home), and to each and every one who sent all of the cards, flowers, food, gifts, and condolences. Loving thanks to Dr. Cunningham, and the team at the St. Mary's cancer center, and, of course, to Tom's life long and very dear friends... the Bombers of Richland, and especially the Chubb Club. Thank you all... -The McKeown family.