Thomas Kaye Voorhis, 94, entered into rest on August 6, 2012 in Manteca, California. He was born on May 24, 1918 in Staten Island, New York, first child of Percival and Dorothy Voorhis. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Kathryn Voorhis and his daughter, Carole Bradford.
Mr. Voorhis is survived by his children, Robin and Dan Muirhead and Janet and Eldred Fountain. He was blessed with four grandchildren, Julia Alvarado, Regina Smith, Andrew Muirhead and Emily Muirhead and one great-grandchild, Riley Carolyn Smith.
Thomas graduated from Curtis High School in 1937. After high school Tom was a Junior Statistician at Smith Barney & Co. in New York City and enlisted in the 107th Infantry, New York National Guard (old 7th Regiment). In 1941 Tom was called to active duty with the 207th Unit of New York National Guard. In 1942, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant at Camp Davis in North Carolina. From 1941-1951 he served in the U.S. Army, serving in Europe during WWII, Occupied Japan, and Korea. From 1952 to 1961, Tom served in Germany, the U.S. and Vietnam, retiring with the rank of Major.
In 1949, Tom married the love of his life Kathryn. They met in Tokyo in 1946 where Tom was 1st LT. with the GHQ Motor Maintenance Shop and Kathryn was a War Department civilian working at the shop. After retiring from the Army in 1962, Tom started work at the State of California Employment Development Department, retiring in 1981 after 20 years of service. In retirement, Tom continued to do the things he loved, which included traveling extensively with Kathryn, working around the house and in his yard, volunteering to serve at church and in various retired military groups, and spending much quality time with his many friends, his family and his beloved grandchildren. He also enjoyed reading, tracing his family history, and doing crossword puzzles.
Tom was a true role model to his family, who loved and revered him as a father and grandfather. He was highly respected by those who knew him as a friend or co-worker. Tom was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Garden Grove for over 40 years, where he served in many capacities including Sunday School teacher, Usher , Elder and Deacon. He went back to college when he was in his 50’s and received a Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Fullerton in 1976. Tom and Kathryn lived in Anaheim for the majority of their marriage. In 2006 they moved to Manteca where they called Merrill Gardens their home for the past 6 years.
P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Voorhis family. A visitation will be held Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. followed by service 11:00 A.M., both held on at. at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Rd., Manteca. He will be laid to rest with his beloved wife at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Gustine with full military honors on Friday, August 17, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. An online guest book is available for condolences at www.plfryandson.com (search obituaries).
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
