Thomas Edward Burrell's Obituary
Thomas Edward Burrell was born on November 23, 1953 to Alys Boyea-Burrell and Francis Burrell in Saranac Lake, NY. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on April 12, 2016, at Madigan Army Medical Center, JBLM. Tom is remembered as a beloved and devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, neighbor, and friend.
Tom joined the US Army in 1972, in Albany, NY. He became an Engineer and went on to serve 20 years, became a drill and platoon sergeant, and was stationed numerous times in Korea and Germany. He retired in 1992, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class, and receiving an abundant of awards including the Meritorious Service Award and Army Commodation Medal. He also received a degree in Automotive Repair and Service from Central Texas College.
Tom went on to work a 20 year career with the United States Postal Service in Tacoma, WA. Finally he retired out of Ft. Lewis, WA Post Office as a Postal Clerk, on December 31, 2014.
He had a passion for cars, sports, fishing, hunting, yardwork, good jokes, and spending time with family and friends.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Yong; his three lovely daughters: Tina, Connie, and Kerry; his beautiful grandchildren: Jada and Tyjai Buford. Tom’s surviving family includes brother: Tim (Brenda) and Jon (Linda) Burrell; Sister: Sally Burrell-Stephenson (David Roach); as well as numerous in laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, Sayles of Saranac Lake, a Great Aunt Betty, and loyal furry companion Scamp the Chiweenie.
His services will graciously be held at Mountain View Funeral Home at 10am, Sunday April 17, 2016. He will be given full military honors and a reception will immediately follow the service. His internment will be in Tahoma National Veteran’s Cemetery at 2:30pm, Monday April 18, 2016.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations in his memory can be sent to Seattle Children’s Hospital for cancer research.
Po Box 5371
Seattle, WA 98105
Tom will forever be loved and deeply missed.
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