Thomas (Tom) Wilson Dopps

Thomas (Tom) Wilson Dopps passed away quietly, October 6, 2012 at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee, WA. Family and friends, surrounding him with love and prayers, were there for his peaceful passing. Family will greet friends on Wednesday, October 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Kayser's Chapel. Viewing will also be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 11th at Kayser's Chapel. Services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, October 11 at Kayser's Chapel. Following will be an interment at Guarding Angels Cemetery and a reception at the Porterhouse to celebrate his life. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory.

Tom was born in Outlook, WA on March 4, 1946 to the late Dan and Martha Dopps. He lived there until the family moved to their farm in Othello, Washington in the winter of 1955. Tom stayed in Othello doing various jobs after his high school graduation in 1964.

In the late 70's, he moved to Moses Lake continuing to work for Ag. related companies. Tom was working at Western Farmers where he met his wife Joan Reffett Dopps. Their first date was the Grant County Fair which became a large part of their lives; entering vegetables, working at the Block 40 Milkshake Barn, and visiting with friends. They were married on April 3, 1982.

Tom enjoyed living in Block 40 raising animals, farming a small acreage and growing a huge garden. Although, Tom retired from his work with Cenex in 2008, he still worked many hours on his farm. He and Joan raised and gave away pumpkins for 30 years, providing a 'farm experience' for the second graders at Peninsula Elementary where Joan teaches.

Tom enjoyed the outdoors and always looked forward to his annual hunting trips with longtime hunting buddies. He traveled to different areas in Washington to hunt deer and elk, to Montana many times to hunt antelope with his close friend and to the ocean to fish with his brother Cliff. He also spent time collecting antiques, picking at yard sales and visiting casinos. Tom's most memorable times include a trip to Alaska to visit family, a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands, Disneyland after he turned 40, Yellowstone, and trips to Montana and the Oregon Coast.

Tom is survived by his wife of 30 years Joan; his sons, Dan of Quincy, WA., Don of Jacksonville, FL., and Derek of Moses Lake; his brother Cliff (Sandy) of Othello, WA.; as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins, brother and sister in- laws, and many friends.

Tom asked that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Youth Outdoors Unlimited: Mailing address is J.R. Newhouse c/o Chris Newhouse, 528 W. Broadway, Moses Lake, WA 98837: www.youthoutdoorsu.org or the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation website: bugle@rmef.org or address is RMEF 5705 Grant Creek Road, Missoula, Mt. 59808 or a charity of your choice.