Thomas Melvin Darrow

Thomas Melvin Darrow, aka “Pops”, 84, formerly of South Cle Elum, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at the Astria Sunnyside Hospital in Sunnyside, Washington.  A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at Laurel Hill Memorial Park in Cle Elum.  Attendees are asked to please wear a mask and maintain social distance based on households.

Thomas was born on August 18, 1936 in Kirkland, Washington to Melvin & Viola Mae (Dougherty) Darrow. Thomas was polio survivor but didn’t let that slow him down in life.  He served briefly in the United States Air Force and for several years in the Air National Guard.  He also served 28 years as a volunteer firefighter and Captain with the Seattle-Bothell Fire Department, stationed in Woodinville.

Thomas enjoyed anything related to cars and worked for 40 years as a parts man for the Ford dealerships in the Puget Sound area.  He was also recognized for many achievements over the years, including Employee of the Year.

Thomas was an active Elder and board member of the Cle Elum Community Church and served on the stewardship committee. He was also a cribbage player and enjoyed playing with his fellow church members.  He enjoyed golf, watching both Mariners and Seahawks games and when it came to college football he was a flip between the Huskies and the Cougars. Thomas had the biggest smile, the most joyful laugh and was a blessing to all those around them.

Thomas is survived by his wife Elaine Darrow; his first wife Alice, with whom he had two sons – David (CeCe) Darrow and John “JD” Darrow; step-sons Rick (Jennifer) Smith, Ronald (Sheila) Smith, Scott (Lucy) Smith and William (Nora Alaman) Griggs; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.  He is also survived by his sisters Clara (Al) Haggland, Kathy “Butch” Wainwrite and his brother Jim Darrow.

Memorial contributions in Thomas’s honor are suggested to the Cle Elum Community Church, PO Box 430, Cle Elum, WA 98922.  Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Cle Elum has been entrusted with caring for the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com