The family of Thomas E. Bacome sadly announces his passing on May 23, 2018. A Military Memorial Service will be held at Sanders Funeral Home Wednesday, 30 May 2018 at 11 a.m. followed by A Celebration of Life reception at the Wharfinger until 2 pm. Everyone invited.

A native of Eureka, Tom E. Bacome was actually born in Durham, California but moved to Eureka as a young boy and made it his permanent home. Through his 83 years he spent 67 years of his life here. The rest of his years he served his country and lived in other areas until he made his way back to Eureka.

Retired TSgt Thomas E. Bacome proudly served in the United States Marine Corp for 14 years. While working as an aircraft hydraulics mechanic Tom also served on the Marine Corp Calvary Honor Guard. He also participated in local rodeo events riding broncos. Tom went on to further his military experience by crossing over to the United States Air Force. Unfortunately after two years he was forced to retire with disabilities from the Air Force while stationed at Grissam AFB Indiana. His service took him to Hawaii [where both his daughter Nonie Lee and son Mark were born] Japan, Vietnam and several other Asian countries and bases in the United States. While stationed in Hawaii, Tom worked part-time as a disc jocky at KLEI radio station for the duration of his tour.

After his retirement from the military he soon met his bride and step-daughter, June and Terry. He started classes at Humboldt State and received his AA degree in Industrial Arts. Job opportunities took him and the family to Susanville, where he started working as an auto shop instructor at the Correctional Center. He retired from the State and moved back to Eureka where he and June “retired.”

But Tom couldn’t sit still. He continued a hobby he perfected while in Hawaii — tooling leather. He soon became an award-winning Master Leather Craftsman and started selling his beautiful work. He also was rebuilding classic cars and entering them into car shows. His last rebuild was his award-winning 1947 Mercury show car. He enjoyed going to the local and sometimes national car shows to enter the Mercury, meeting with old friends and making new ones.

Many people also have enjoyed Tom’s musical talents over the years as well. He played trombone while in high school then he soon mastered the guitar, bass and singing. He went on to be in several bands over the years. Tom’s smooth bass voice also had him singing with The Barbershoppers for about 45 years.

Tom also donated his time to many local organizations and charities giving back to the community he loved.

You will be missed terribly, Dad/Tom, by your family and friends.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Thomas Bacome’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.