Thomas T. Okamura

Three days after his 88th birthday, Thomas Tsutomu Okamura passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home in Granada Hills, California with his wife of 52 years by his side. His three surviving children, Kevin Isao, Carol Kaoru (Johnston), and Lori Midori (Russell), were also present when Thomas was called Home. Thomas was blessed with one granddaughter, Jacqueline Kaile Kazuko Johnston.

Thomas was born on August 3, 1927 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Sanpei and Moki (Yano) from Kumamoto, Japan. Thomas is the fifth and last surviving child of seven brothers and sisters. The tight-knit Okamura family was raised in the peaceful, serene island life. The Okamuras grew up helping one another and stayed very close throughout their adult lives. Thomas graduated from Farrington High School in Kalihi Valley.

Thomas was drafted and fought for his country in World War II as part of the 442nd Infantry Regiment, which was comprised of American soldiers of Japanese ancestry. Thomas was a parachuter and took on dangerous missions. He volunteered to serve again and fought for his country in the Korean War. Thomas is an honored veteran. After his military service, Thomas relocated to Granada Hills, CA where he began his education and career in the Aeronautical field. Thomas was one of the original staff to assist and work on Apollo 11, which made history carrying Neil Armstrong and his crew on their maiden voyage to the moon in 1969. Thomas was a long-time employee with Western Airlines, which merged with Delta Airlines, and retired after over 30 years of service in the airlines industry.

Thomas was married to Kazuko on October 20, 1962 and was shy of celebrating their 53rd Anniversary. Thomas was also a loving, caring father and endearing grandfather. Thomas' admiration for golfing developed at a very young age. Thomas was actually a young boy collecting lost golf balls on a course in the hills of Oahu when he witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. At the time, Thomas thought it was just a practice attack. Thomas was a longtime golfer and was very passionate about swinging his golf club on the course. He was also privileged to have played on many golf courses on the West Coast and in Hawaii.

Services for Thomas Tsutomu Okamura will be held on Thursday, August 20th at 10:00 a.m. in the main Chapel at Eternal Valley Memorial Park, 23287 Sierra Highway, Newhall, CA 91321.