Thomas Richard Hillsamer Sr. passed away on April 19, 2017 at the age of 90 in Turlock, CA.
Born on May 31, 1926 in Brethren, MI. Thomas attended the local elementary school and graduated from Dickson High School. After high school, he enlisted in the US Navy and served in Europe and N. Africa on the Albert P. Ryder from 1944 to 1946. Following his service, he went on to graduate from Radio and Television School in Tampa, Florida.
In 1948 Thomas married Beatrice L. Falany in Ceres, CA. After their divorce, he went on to marry Ruth Winters in 1980 in Reno, NV.
Thomas resided in the communities of Brethren, MI, Port Richey and New Port Richey, FL, and Portland, OR until returning to Turlock in 2007.
A self-employed businessman in the electronic business, Thomas had a strong and diverse work ethic until his retirement in 2016. He was a postmaster in Port Richey, FL for 10 years, owned and operated a TV sales and repair shop, farmed a 20 acre ranch in Turlock, raised Angus cattle, and worked in electronic sales and repair.
Among his special interests, Thomas enjoyed repairing antique radios. He selflessly devoted 17 years as a volunteer for Hospice and was an active member of the Church of the Brethren and the Methodist Church in Turlock.
Thomas is survived by his son, Rick Hillsamer of Longmont, CO; his daughters, Bonnie Prusack of Denair, CA, Holly Bever of Turlock, CA, Naomi Ferros of Sonoma, CA, and Amy Walker of Mill Creek, WA and his three step-children, RuthAnn Reynolds, Dale Winters, and Jill Pex of OR. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Garl Hillsamer and Katherine Brigid (O’Donovan) Hillsamer, his sister, Katherine Nora Cardnell, and both his wives.
A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 22 followed by a funeral service at 12 p.m. at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Covenant Hospice of Turlock.
