Thomas Saunders Allen was born June 4, 1947 in Boston, Massachusetts. He died September 15, 2026 in Kennewick, Washington.

Tom was the eldest of six children. He only lived in Boston for three years. At that time the family relocated to California. Through his childhood, Tom enjoyed being a boy scout and being an acolyte at church. When he was 12 years old his life changed drastically. He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. When he should have been a carefree child, he had to learn a whole new way of life. A life filled with needles, doctors and a whole new way of eating. He went to diabetic camp to learn the skills to help manage the disease.

Tom graduated from high school in 1965 and then attended The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He worked numerous jobs during that time. His jobs included working at a bakery, bus boy, taxi driver, pool boy, and pizza delivery driver. Those jobs were just the beginning of Tom’s industrious life.

In 1966, the family relocated to Richland, Washington. Tom stayed in California to continue at the University. He moved to Richland in 1967 to join his family.

Tom went to a New Year’s Eve party in 1967 where he met Vicki, the love of his life. Tom & Vicki were married in August, 1968. In June, 1970 they welcomed their first daughter, Kim (Kim Krom, husband Damon). Their second daughter, Tracy (Tracy Lopez, husband Jorge) arrived in January, 1972. Tom Jr. (Wife April) came along in October, 1975. Tom thrived on being a family man. He was always so proud of his children. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family.

Tom started his career at General Electric (GE) in Seattle. He moved to Spokane and eventually moved back to the Tri-Cities. Tom worked for GE for 16 years. At that time the company was sold and became North Coast Electric. He worked at North Coast Electric for another 16 years. He then moved to Columbia Electric. He worked in the electrical business for 47 years. His amiable personality and strong work ethic contributed to his success.

A great source of Tom’s pride and joy was his grandchildren: Jacob, Miles, Aaron and Aunna. He was affectionately known as “Poppa” by the grandchildren that he adored so much. Tom was always happy when he was surrounded by his family. He especially loved family barbecues.

Sadly, Vicki passed away in 2015 after a lengthy illness. The loss of Vicki left a painful void in the Allen family. Tom was blessed to find love again. In 2017, Tom married Lana. They were very sweet together and Lana took such good care of Tom as he battled his health issues.

In addition to his job and family responsibilities, for 20 years Tom was a leader in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). Every Saturday morning, he would arrive at the church bright and early to prepare for the Bible Study. As with everything Tom did. He gave 110%.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Vicki Allen, parents Robert and Beryl Allen, Sister Beryl Anderson, and Brother Bill Allen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s name to the Diabetic Association of America. https://diabetes.org/?form=Donate