Tony Ongers

Tony Ongers passed away July 20, 2016, while at
work at the Washington Odd Fellows Home. He was
62.
Tony was born Sept. 6, 1953, to Mary and Petier
Ongers in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. He immigrated
to the U.S. in February 1957 with his parents and
two brothers. A year later, a fourth brother was born.
After a divorce, Mary married Byron Eastman, who
raised the boys. Mary and Byron then gave Tony two
additional brothers.
Tony graduated Walla Walla High School in 1971
and went to work briefly at Les Schwab Tires until
he found his passion for painting. While working at
Busch painting, in April 1980 he met the love of his
life, Debbie Gardner, or his Debbie Darling, as Tony
referred to her. Eventually, he became partners with
Harold Busch, and worked with him for 28 years before
working for the Walla Walla School District for
12 years. He was maintenance supervisor at Washington
Odd Fellows Home for the last four years.
Tony and Debbie were married on Dec. 3, 1982, and
were the love of each other’s life.
Tony was preceded in death by his mother, Mary
Eastman; father, Petier Ongers; and brother, Ed
Ongers.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie Ongers; daughter,
Tabitha (Mike) Marler; sons, Mitchell (Staci) Ongers
and Trevor Ongers; father, Byron Eastman; brothers,
Gary (Vickie) Ongers, John (Cindy) Ongers, Rocky
(Stephanie) Eastman and Marty (Jennifer) Eastman;
sister-in-law Denise Ongers; grandchildren, Shelby
and Reid Marler, Kodie and Madi Milholland; and
numerous nieces and nephews.
Tony was an amazing, hardworking, family man,
who took pride in everything he did. He enjoyed
camping, racquetball, paddle boarding, kayaking,
golfing and much more. He left his mark everywhere
he went, updating his home and always having a project.
He loved making jokes and laughing so hard he
couldn’t breathe.
He will be missed by many and will live on in the
hearts and smiles of those left behind.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 30, 2016, at
Christ Community Fellowship, 3170 Peppers Bridge
Road, in Walla Walla.