Thomas Robert Ellingboe

Thomas (Tom) Robert Ellingboe, 80, a long time Port Orchard resident, passed from this earth and into his savior’s arms on Friday, February 26th, 2016 at Saint Joseph Hospital, Tacoma, Washington. A tribute to life service will be held for Tom at Grace Bible Church in Port Orchard on Saturday March 12th, at 2:00 pm, with a reception to follow immediately thereafter.
Tom was born on April 2, 1935, in Bremerton Washington, to Theodore and Josie Ellingboe. The youngest of 7 children, he attended Givens elementary school and South Kitsap Middle/High School.

At the age of 18, Tom joined the United States Marine Corps with his good friend Jerry, completing basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot, San Diego, California. Tom served his country in Korea and then in Japan, before returning stateside. He was fiercely proud of being a United States Marine, and to the end he was “Always Faithful”; Semper Fi.
After leaving military service Tom lived in California, worked as a carpet installer, and he had daughters Beth, and Darla. While in California, Tom also met the woman who became the love of his life, Linda Lee Aston. Tom and Linda were married on April 6th, 1963, and they had three children, Martin, Trina, and Kristen.

After moving back to Port Orchard, Tom briefly co-owned Port Orchard Carpets, before working in sales and management with Floor Decorators. At home, Tom was fond of singing while providing his own accompaniment with his beloved “Martin” guitar. He was blessed with a remarkable singing voice, and he loved to sing old country songs and the gospels. In his leisure time, Tom also was very fond of detailing his big cars, working in his yard, boating and completing projects around his house. He could also often be found hanging out with his friends at Myree’s for coffee and lots of good conversation.

A man of faith, Tom showed the same dedication, loyalty, and service to his Lord as he did to the Corps and to his family. With his strong faith in his Lord, Tom congregated with the Olalla Bible Church for many years, and was later a long time member of Grace Bible Church in Port Orchard. Throughout his life, and through many difficulties, Tom never questioned the Lords goodness or discounted his blessings, and he loved his God deeply.

Tom spent his final days caring for Linda in her struggles with health issues and until his final days could be found tending to her with loving dedication, devotion, and tenderness. Tom will be deeply missed by his many friends, co-workers, fellow Marines, and his loving family. He is with his Lord now, but he is forever in our hearts.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, mother, sisters Jane, Anna, and Esther. He is survived by his wife Linda, son Martin, daughters Beth, Darla, Trina, and Kristen, 13 grand-children, 13 great grand-children, brother Cledith, and sisters Joanne, and DeMaris.

Those who knew Tom knew that he was a casual man, and that he loved his flannel shirts. Tom, would be honored if you felt it appropriate to wear yours to his tribute service on the 12th.