Thomas Richard Putnam

Thomas was born on November 15, 1940, in Wellsville OH. He lived his early childhood in Toronto OH where he developed his love of working on cars. As a young father he lived in Columbus Ohio working as a mechanic at a local Cadillac dealership. Once in California, as a single parent of 5; he depended on the help of family as he worked to provide for his children. In October 1987 he married Loretta, his wife, and they became a family of seven. As Tom’s children grew older; they were always able to count on their dad to be there when they needed him.

Tom started to work for the Dept of Navy as a civil service mechanic at Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow, CA. As a dedicated and talented mechanic, he was proud to be able to travel to different parts of the world teaching Marines how to work on specific military vehicles. Tom retired in 2006; enjoying spending time with family while restoring and working on his prized 1966 Ford Thunderbird. Tom and Loretta enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends together.

Tom is Preceded in death by his beloved maternal Grandparents Joseph and Lillian Martin. His beloved Mother Josephine J. (Putnam) Moore. Also, his Fraternal Grandparents John and Lucy Putnam, his Father Clyde M. Putnam. And his good lifelong friend and brother-in-law Robert Maxwell

He leaves behind his Wife of 34 years Loretta (Bolls) Putnam. His Five children Deborah (Dan) Sines, of Hiawatha KS. Thomas R. Putnam II (Valerie) of Portsmouth, OH, Timothy Putnam of Wauseon OH. Doris Crouse (Gary) of Canal Winchester, OH and James (Shannon) Putnam of Barstow, CA., and a stepson Steven (Tina) Hudgins of Modesto, CA.

He is also Survived by His siblings Barbara Maxwell of Columbus OH, Clyde(Connie) Putnam of Whitter, CA. Donna Olsen (John) of Steubenville, OH and Wanda (Richard) Koski of Toronto, OH.

He was loved by his 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, 9 Nieces and Nephews, 15 great nieces and nephews. And 7 great-great nieces and nephews.

Rest easy our father, you will forever be in our hearts!

A memorial Service will be announced as plans are finalized

I am Not Truly gone,

If you keep me in your heart

I’ll Forever be alive

And we’ll never have to part

By Kelly Roper

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.meadcares.com for the Putnam family.

Mead mortuary chapel and reception room are open for services at 100% capacity. If you need assistance, please call 760-256-5671 to speak with our staff. Our office area is open to the public and we highly suggest that you call for an appointment before coming in. Thank you for your cooperation, we appreciate your understanding during this time. We offer our sincerest condolences to the family.