Obituary of Thomas Leonard Sheehan

Born in Sidney Montana. Tom spent most of his childhood causing good old mischief and mayhem both on his own and with his brother Gary. Not one to be quick about making plans he was just kind of hanging around with “roots about to sprout from his rear end” as his dad would say.  One day he decided that the Air Force would be the right choice for him. This decision was reinforced after he had received a draft notice and shortly thereafter the unfortunate incident of his motorcycle being stolen convinced him that he needed to get on a better path to be successful. Tom joined the U.S. Airforce in November of 1971 and served honorably as an Air Traffic Control Radar and Radio technician for 4 years, achieving the rank of buck sergeant.

Tom worked hard to provide for his family and this is what led to the moves to Idaho, Florida, and ended with his retirement in Oregon. 

Tom was a food enthusiast and enjoyed trying all types of new foods, one of his famous sayings was “it’s got good flavor”. This was often proceeded by him stating that “I could go for some Pho”. Never one to turn down a treat he often stated “bring me back a prize” to Sharon when she would leave the house for any reason. 

Tom enjoyed shooting, hunting, and riding motorcycles and in some fashion passed these likes and traits down to his children who now carry the torch in honor of him.  Tom’s family passion was summer vacations where he could unplug and enjoy some quality time with his kids camping. Naturally, he would kick off every vacation with a few lines from Willie Nelsons “on the road again” which has now become a family tradition. 

In his later years, Tom enjoyed sitting back and watching the Grandchildren in all their own quirks and craziness. Tom especially loved when they would crawl up into his lap when he said “come snuggle me”. He would often say that he didn’t realize how much he missed when his children were growing up and that he is thankful for and wishes for nothing more than the health and happiness of his children and his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife Sharon; daughter, Kerri (Sheehan) Blackburn, husband Zack; son, Brian Sheehan wife Ashley; son, Devin Sheehan wife Amanda. Grandchildren, Ryker, Brody, Auraligh, Ronin, and Colton. Sister, Charlotte Heron, husband Willis; brothers, Gary Sheehan and Patrick Sheehan, wife Jeanie. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Lucille Sheehan.

A burial service will be held this summer in Charlie Creek Montana at St. St Bernards Catholic Church to lay him to rest in the company of his Mother and Father

In lieu of gifts please make donations to one of Tom's favorite charities - St Jude's Children Hospital or the USO.