| Graduation Year | Faculty |
| Date of Passing | Aug 30, 2023 |
| About | Tom Halfmoon left this life in the early hours of August 30, 2023, with his wife, Sally, by his side. Born to Marguerite and John Halfmoon on February 20,1947 in Yakima, Washington, Tom grew up hunting, fishing, and playing football alongside his brother, John. Tom's smile and laughter could instantly warm your heart. His dry sense of humor and ability to tell stories, especially about his youth on Ward Road in Toppenish or college years at Eastern Washington State College: hunting quail that flew out of the bag as his mom opened it; flying off the hood of the car while hunting jack rabbits; wearing pointed boots and a Beatles wig as the singer for the Weekender are just a few of his often told stories. At the end of the evening, Tom had the entire table roaring with tears of laughter! Anybody who's known Tom, knows of his passion for football. He enjoyed playing tackle football with all his cousins and neighbors and continued through high school. There he developed his football skills, which he improved at Eastern playing defensive lineman and kicking field goals (all 5'8" 225 pounds of him!). Through his years at Eastern Tom built many solid friendships with other players. He was very proud to play with them when the 1967 EWSC football team played in the 12th Annual NAIA Bowl. Tom taught for CWU and Wenatchee Valley College before moving to Yakima in 1977. He taught history at both Washington and Franklin Middle Schools. Tom touched hundreds of lives in his 33 years of teaching and as a Defensive coach for football teams at WVC, Washington and Franklin Middle Schools, and Davis, Eisenhower, and Toppenish High Schools. Since his retirement from coaching, Tom and Sally have tried to make all home games to watch their son, Chris, coach football at Prosser High. Tom delighted in the birth of his two children Christopher and Meghann. He loved teaching them to fish, set up forts, build a sledding hill and a baseball diamond in the empty lot. Tom loved taking Chris and Meg skiing and snowboarding, making sure they stopped at the minimart for a corn dog or hamburger. Anytime their friends stopped by Tom readied the barbeque to feed a crowd. Family trips were a highlight for Tom which continued as the children married and had children. For the last 19 years, his pride and joy were his 5 grandchildren, Sofia, Tessa, Tipp, Alexa, and Loula. Whatever they did, Grandpa was amazed and encouraging. He loved playing on the floor with the babies, building castles and trains, and watching their sporting events. He especially loved their hugs! Tom was preceded in death by his father, John and his mother, Marguerite. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sally; two children, Christopher (Amy) Halfmoon of Prosser, and Meghann (Koen Hulshof) Halfmoon of Yakima, his 5 grandchildren, Sofia, Tessa, and Alexa Halfmoon; Tipp and Loula Halfmoon. He is also survived by his brother, John (Kathy and daughter Alison) Halfmoon of Portland, his mother-in-law, Barbara Breslin and many loving in-laws, nieces, and nephews. You knew him as your friend, colleague, teacher, and coach. He was our beloved husband, brother, dad, and grandpa. He will be dearly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held on October 8, at 2:00 at the Yakima Tennis Club. You may contact Keith and Keith Funeral Home for further information. Memorial donations may be made to Rod's House, EWU Football Program, ALS Research, Camp Hope, or a charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Halfmoon family. |
