Thomas B. Tootill, Iii

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dad Thomas B. Tootill III on Friday, October 12, 2018, at the age of 72.

Tom was born in Waynesville, NC, but called Lakewood, CA, home for 72 years. He attended Madison Elementary, Hoover Junior High, and graduated from Lakewood High School in 1964. After high school he was drafted into the Air Force in August 1964. He proudly served as a carpenter until August 1968. After leaving the Air Force he immediately started working for McDonnell Douglas. For the next 31 years he worked for the company, now known as Boeing. During the well-known union strikes Tom would always find work. He would work long hours out in the oil islands of Long Beach. After retiring from Boeing in December 1999, he gave a crack at Sales, working for Cormier Chevrolet and Howard’s Appliances.

Tom and Charlene met in 1958 and dated all through high school. They wed in July 3, 1965, and were married for 53 years. They bought their home in Lakewood in October 1969, raising their 3 children Kerri, Gina, and Derek there. Tom and Char took pride in their house and made it a home for the past 48 years.

Tom enjoyed taking road trips with the family, going camping when the kids were younger, and then onto traveling around the US with Charlene after they retired. He also enjoyed Vegas and a good game of poker or blackjack, even teaching some of his caregivers how to play.

Tom is survived by his wife Charlene, daughter Kerri, her husband Henry, daughter Gina, son Derek and his wife Nicole and their son’s Thomas and Turner. Sister Patty, her husband Bill, Brother Billy and Sandy, Sister Sandi and her husband Mark; along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Jr. and Edith Tootill.

There will be a service at Luyben-Dilday Chapel on Friday, October 26, 2018 at 4pm. Family and friend are invited to celebrate Tom’s life and share in his memories. Tom will be entombed at the Riverside National Cemetery with a private family service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the Tootill family would like you to donate to “Homes for Our Troops.” A non-profit organization that builds specially adapted custom homes for severely injured veterans. www.hfotusa.org

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401