Thomas Charles Missel

Thomas Charles Missel was born on December 12, 1960 in Aberdeen, Washington to John Thomas and Lorraine “Rainey” (Bagron) Missel. Tom passed away peacefully on October 21, 2023 at his home in Roslyn with his wife by his side.  Tom was 62.

Tom was an accomplished athlete, playing high school football for the Mead Panthers in Spokane, the Interlake Saints in Bellevue and Montana State University.  He graduated from Interlake in 1979 then attended Montana State and Western Washington State University earning a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Business Administration and Economics.

Tom had an interesting career, coaching football at both Western and Eastern Washington State Universities.  Many former students still call him “Coach” but more importantly they remember the positive influence he had on their lives. Tom remained an avid college and professional football fan throughout his life.  Tom also served as an Investigator and Auditor with the United States Treasury Department.  In 2008 Tom opened a private practice as licensed private investigator and was a qualified instructor for the National Highway Transportation System in DUI Detection and Standardization Field Sobriety Testing Programs, Advance Roadside Driving Enforcement Program and Drug Recognition Program.  Tom was a highly sought after and valued expert witness for DUI defense attorneys across Washington State.

Tom proudly served on the Roslyn City Council and was a member of the Kittitas County Council of Governments and County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee during his tenure on the City Council.  Most recently he was assisting the Upper Kittitas County Recreation Center Advisory Committee and in his spare time worked at the Roslyn Brewing Company and was part of the security team at the Brick. Tom was a past trustee and active member of the Roslyn Eagles, FOE 696.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents John and Rainey Missel.  He is survived by his wife Rhonda Holden; son Dane Missel (with former wife Julie Schmieder); daughter-in-law Tosha Missel; grandsons Jake and Nate Missel, all of North Bend; Rhonda’s children Ben and Lindsey Flowers and Hannah Holden; Rhonda’s grandchildren Paisley, Scout and Ford Flowers of Roslyn; sister Kathy Missel of West Richland; brother Jim Missel of Oregon; niece Sammy Jo Missel Griggs; nephew Jimmy Missel along with many cherished friends.

Roslyn locals may know Tom as the Mayor of the Brick Tavern, the Self-Appointed Sheriff of Roslyn, or the Local Parking Czar… but everyone knew and loved Tom for his genuine kindness, integrity, generosity, quick wit and his smile.  He will be greatly missed.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023 in the Harold Weis Memorial Building, 300 W. Idaho Avenue in Roslyn.

Tom had a passion for Hospice as his mother Rainey was lovingly cared for by Hospice prior to her passing.  Memorial contributions in Tom’s honor are suggested to Kittitas Valley Healthcare Hospice, Hearts and Hands of Kittitas County or the Roslyn Eagles.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com