Thomas “Tom” G. King, 62, of Eau Claire gracefully bowed out of his nearly two-year battle with ALS on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Neighbors of Dunn County in Menomonie, WI.
Tom was born on November 7, 1960, to Corliss and Edna (Sheehan) King in Eau Claire. Tom was a free spirit with an infectious smile and a contagious laugh to match. He could not only light up a room with his smile but could also fill it with his laughter. Tom entered this world the same way he left it, filled with drive and ambition. He began life in his younger years getting up early with the sunrise to ride his bicycle across town which then transitioned into his adult love for riding his Harley until sunset. He also enjoyed traveling, the Green Bay Packers, the ocean, seafood (often in large amounts) and deep-sea fishing. Tom lived life to the fullest and had many experiences ranging from his service in the army, his career as a natural born salesman which led him to the ownership of Tom King Motors, to the fun of having a fishing pole in his hand out on the ocean and putting thousands of miles of open road on his Harley to name a few. Tom was a jack of all trades and filled with determination. But his favorite pastime was spending time with his daughter Deenah. They did everything from parasailing in Florida together to attending Green Bay Packer games at Lambeau Field. Even in the midst of his battle, he walked her down the aisle on her wedding day. Of all the things Tom was in his lifetime, a quitter was never one of them and his journey is an admirable one. Tom began his battle with ALS on July 1st of 2021. His ability to persevere through this diagnosis is praiseworthy. He did so with incredible resilience, great strength, and a smile on his face. Tom had an immense love for both his daughter Deenah and life itself. Above all, Tom was a loving father and a gallant warrior of ALS to the very end. Tom could always tell a great story, and his life was lived as one to be honored by those who loved him.
Tom is survived by his beloved daughter, Deenah (Raj and Sydney Walia) King of Thorp, WI; his siblings, Linda (Larry) Dekan of Mondovi; Judy (Stuart) Gehler, Michael King both of Eau Claire; Clyde King of Colorado; Connie (Ed) Davidson of Texas; David (Cheryl) King, Pat (Millie) King of South Carolina.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Corliss “Sonny” King, and Steven King.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Tom’s in home caregivers, the ALS Association WI Chapter, St. Joseph’s Hospice, and the staff of the Neighbors of Dunn County for all their care. Tom will be missed greatly by many and was incredibly grateful for all his friends and those who became like family including Missy Christianson, Dan Mattoon, Edin Galindo, and Dave Gonyea.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 12, 2023, at 4:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel. A visitation will be two hours prior to the service from 2-4:00 pm at the funeral home on Friday. A Celebration of Life will follow the service at the Alibi Lounge at 5:00 pm. Friends and family are welcome to leave online condolences below.
Never met Tom in person. But kept with him on Facebook. He was my cousin , I can only say he was a forward looking trooper,. I admired his strength in his battle against devastating odds. His Love for his daughter shined like a sunny day. Know he is in Heaven with family that were there to greet him .A young man deeply inspirational & loved by everyone Lucky enough to truly know him.
I didn’t know Tom very long, but when i met him we connected right away and became friends instantly. Tom was amazing, a fighter, a loving caring man, an inspiration to everyone. His smile was infectious, i can’t say enough about him. He loved his daughter Deenah so much, she was his world. He didn’t want to leave her and he fought hard. I will sadly miss him as everyone else will. He truly was loved by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. RIP Tom, you are whole again and in a beautiful place of peace and love and the angels singing. God Bless you my friend.
Tom was a fun guy, we fished a lot together, shared lotsa laughter and we ate like “KINGS”!!!!, I will always have the fondest of memories and will miss him dearly as long as I live, I think of him daily, love u TOM!!
My deepest sympathies to the family and prayers 🙏🙏
I travel with Tom at least 50 times buying car’s in Florida and we work 12 hours days but he still made time for cocktails and good food at a beach bar. Had a millions laughs on the phone with him when we both work or owned a car lot. I have Plenty of stories from Florida that I cannot tell, but Tom and I had great laughs going over them not very long ago. I hope Heaven is set up like the Florida Key’s !!!
Tom and I were close in high school and then life happened. I would see him out and about or at Tom King motors and that smile has never changed. I want to remember him smiling & laughing. Loving life and his daughter so very much.💔
Toms legacy will live on through the memories of those who knew him best and cherished him most. Even though he passed away, his “spirit” will always surround us and he will never be forgotten along with his laugh & smile!
Tom? Now get on your…motorcycle/boat, catch some rays, crocks & fish…and let those other spirits and angels know we dearly miss them. Im sure they would love you to join them. 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️
Rest in peace my friend! You always had a infectious smile. You are now pain free my friend! Luv-u-long time