Thomas F Endsley

Thomas Franklin Endsley was born on the kitchen table in the house on Morton Street in Port Orchard on June 7, 1927. He died August 17, 2015, he was 88 years old. His parents were James & Josephine Endsley of Port Orchard, Washington.

He was the last living Grandson of Sidney Stevens (his Mom’s Dad) who established the town of Port Orchard. He was the youngest of 9 children, as both parents had been married earlier.

As a young child he spent his years at the family home on Sidney Street. He had various jobs: fixing cars & trucks, cutting & hauling wood, working on a cow milking farm and running various pieces of equipment, in addition to helping his parents take care of the garden and animals on the 3 acre farm on Sidney Street.

In 1942, at age 15, he drove equipment trucks for the State Forestry Service in the summer and ended up being a Supervisor of 12 employees. At age 16 he got his driver’s license without taking the test because he showed up in the Forestry State truck. While in high school he drove tractors for FAA, attended some classes and played drums in the school band. After-school work was hard to come by so he did various jobs – service station attendant, logging and hauling anything he could with his 1931 Model A Ford truck and 1933 Chevy 1 ½ ton truck.

In 1944 he married Doris Young of Annapolis. Of the marriage Gayle and Tami were born.
That same year he joined the Merchant Marines as an engine repairman and was stationed in Alaska.

In 1949 Doris and Tom purchased 10 acres for $1,500. The house was old, had a 12’ hand dug well, barn and two chicken pens. There were not inside facilities. The monthly payment was $25, sometimes hard to come by. That is the residence where he lived for 66 years.

In 1950 Tom did his apprenticeship with Wiley’s Body Shop. After working at various repair shops he finally opened his own shop at home. In 1958 he started working for Kitsap County doing several important jobs, retiring in 1986. He held several head or leadership positions.

In 1966 Tom and Doris divorced.

In 1969 Tom married Marjorie Phillips and instantly became father to four children. Peggy, Duane, Jeff and Melinda. They were married for 46 wonderful years. Marge was the love of his life and he was dedicated to her.

During his lifetime he was a man of many talents, being a professional drummer & singer, announcing rodeos, car races, motorcycle races, air shows, logging shows, destruction derbies and auctions. Tom had his pilot’s license for many years until his health failed. He loved boating, fishing, hunting, horseback riding and playing Santa Claus.

He was a member of many organizations: Curley Creek, Burley Grange, Kitsap Saddle Club, a 43 year member of Eagles Aerie #2338 and many more. He was Port Orchard’s Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 1998.

One thing Tom also was, was a gifted speaker. At last count he had done 56 funerals/memorials. Just a gift of gab. He never met a stranger and was friends to all.

Tom is survived by his wife Marjorie Endsley, and children Gayle & Rod Chipps, Tami & Lindell Schmittler, Peggy & Lloyd Holloway, Jeffrey Phillips, Melinda & Robert Negrin.

On behalf of his family we thank you for coming and sharing his day and memories and friendships. Love you always and forever -

Marjorie Endsley
Gayle Chipps
Tami Schmittler
Peggy Holloway
Jeffrey Phillips
Melinda Negrin

Many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews, and lots of friends he thought of as family.


Graveside Service is August 28th at Sunset Lane Memorial Park in Port Orchard at 11:00 am followed by a Memorial Potluck at the Port Orchard Eagles at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to F.O.E #2338, Alzheimer’s Fund, or the Humane Society in memory of Thomas Endsley.