William Thomas "Tom" Mckeown

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 McKeown III (Tom), 78, of Walla Walla, lost his 13 year battle with cancer on Jan. 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. Hi 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 State Army, also, that year, he married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Card, 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; brother's, Jim McKeown, Sacramento, Mike
McKeown, Richland; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Viewing and visitation will be Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013 from 1-7 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013 from 1-6 p.m. at Herring Funeral Home. Rosary service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013 at Herring Funeral Chapel at 6 p.m. followed by shared stories. The funeral mass will be at St. Patrick's Catholic Church on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. with full military honors.
A reception will follow at the church, Blanchette Hall. Graveside
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.