From the Eau Claire
Leader-Telegram
Thomas
Tompkins
Thomas LaVerne Tompkins,
65, a lifelong Hallie resident, passed away Friday, May 5, 2006, at Sacred Heart
Hospital surrounded by his family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer.
Thomas was born December 3, 1940, in Eau Claire to Loneil and Marie (Wheelock)
Tompkins. Tom attended Longfellow Elementary and then Eau Claire Junior High. At
that time he met his lifelong friend, Norm “Butch” Werlein, who became a brother to
him. Band was a great interest for Tom, followed by his love for cars. Around 14
years of age, Tom joined the Boy Scouts, and later developed into the Eau Claire
Drum and Bugle Corps, where he played the saxophone and then the drums. Tom
graduated from the Drum and Bugle Corps on his 21st birthday. Tom worked
construction for PV Farmer for over 30 years. Tom’s personal interests were one
thing — any cars from the 1930s. He was affectionately known as “Mr. Model A.” He
liked old Harley-Davidson motorcycles and Cushman scooters. Tom lived and breathed
old car shows and swap meets. He greatly adored and respected his mother and
everything she had done to help him.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn Tompkins; and his mother, Marie
Tompkins.
He was preceded in death by his loving father, Loneil.
A funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at Prock Funeral Home,
with the Reverend Edmund Klimek officiating. Friends may call two hours prior to the
service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery.