Thomas Andrew Froula Obituary (2024)

Thomas Andrew Froula, 80, of Yakima, died on June 2, 2024. Tom passed peacefully in his camp chair, while cheering on his grandson at a windy baseball game in Pasco, Washington. There was no place he would have rather been. Tom was born in Lake City, Washington, on September 7, 1943, to David and Margaret Froula. He was one of four siblings. Their family moved to the Lower Yakima Valley in 1945. Tom started at West Valley High School during its second year of operation and proudly graduated third in his class in 1962. His father was on the first school board in the West Valley School District. Tom married the love of his life, Lois, on February 19, 1966. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Annette, in 1970 and son, Jason, in 1974. He attended Yakima Valley Community College and graduated with a degree in Information Technology and Business. He spent 13 years in the IT business and was proud to bring the first computer to the City of Yakima and Yakima County, jointly. In 1981, he purchased the Overhead Door Company of Yakima. He owned and operated the business until he retired and sold the company in 2008. He was overjoyed to spend more time with his three grandchildren in retirement. He was most happy spending time with his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Tom always offered a listening ear and was pleased to share his knowledge and stories with all who were interested. Faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of Tom's life and he had deep rooted Christian values. He was an active member within the West Valley Church. Tom was a profound community leader. He served on multiple local and regional boards, including the YMCA, the Yakima Salvation Army, and the Seattle Pacific University board of trustees. He was an enthusiastic member of the downtown Rotary Club and his "not so buff" group. Tom and Lois also went on multiple Haiti medical team trips. He loved helping others and seemingly never met a stranger. Tom was an adventure seeker until the very end. He loved the outdoors, whether it was quadding in the mountains with friends and family, hiking, camping, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, or spending time at Mt. Angel with his close group of friends. He also took a keen interest in geology. Tom is survived by his loving family, including his wife, Lois; children, Annette Rendahl and Jason Froula; son-in-law, Tim Rendahl, and daughter-in-law, Mandy Froula. He leaves behind three grandchildren ("Papa's treasures," as he would say), Lauren Rendahl, and Ethan, and Isaac Froula. Tom is also survived by his brother, Dave Froula of Sequim; sister, Mary Froula-King of Wenatchee; brother-in-law, Gary Belcher of Gig Harbor, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom loved each and every member of his family profusely. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, David and Margaret Froula; brother, Karl Froula; sisters-in-law, Marlene and Donna Froula, and Mona Belcher; nephew, Davey Froula of Sequim, and father-and-mother-in-law, Jim and Freda Smothers. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 1:30pm, at West Valley Church (7109 W Nob Hill Blvd, Yakima, WA 98908), with a Reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, Lois has requested donations be made payable to the YMCA and the Yakima Rotary scholarship fund and sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936), who is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.