“In Loving Memory”

THOMAS ARTHUR CHARLTON

March 24, 1938 – May 30, 2026

Thomas Arthur Charlton of Bremerton, Washington was born to the late Preston and Edna Charlton in Macon, Mississippi on March 24, 1938. He was raised in Mobile, Alabama along with his brothers, Clyde, James and Robert. He graduated from Vigor High School in 1957.

Tom joined the Navy reserves in May of 1955 while still in high school and served until January of 1958 as well as working in furniture and appliance sales. He completed a cross-service transfer to active-duty US Army in January of 1958. In July 1958, he completed the aircraft maintenance course at the Army Aviation School at Fort Rucker, Alabama. In February 1959Tom transferred to Fulda, Germany as a member of the 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

While in Fulda he met the woman of his dreams, a local girl named Annamarie Neidert. After a brief and mostly long-distance courtship, Tom and Annamarie were married in August 1960after Annamarie moved to the U.S. Tom was honorably discharged from the Army in May 1961as a Specialist 4.

Tom and Annamarie made their home in the bay area of California, where they started their family and raised their children, Thomas Jr. (AnnMarie) Charlton, Sarah (Daniel) Wood and Linda Preston. Livermore, California was the place they called home for 30 years. His family grew to include 8 grandchildren, Erin, Kyle, Lukas, Tessa, Caleb, Thomas III, Robert and Liliana as well as 9 great grandchildren.

Tom had a very successful career in furniture sales at Montgomery Ward and then Sealy Mattress Company where he was an account executive. He earned several trips to Europe, where he and Annamarie would always add a week to visit her hometown in Fulda, where they met.

Upon retiring in 1998, Tom and Annamarie moved to Bremerton, WA, where they built their dream home overlooking a lake and the Olympic mountains. There they enjoyed family and friends, watching the boats and skiers on the water during the summers and eagles soaring and perching on fir trees surrounding the lake. For many years Tom enjoyed walks with their dog around the neighborhood and visiting with the neighbors. He spent many hours in his office updating spreadsheets and keeping up with the news.

Tom was a man of integrity who loved his country and his family. He was a stickler for details, hence his countless hours tracking finances and household logistics on his many spreadsheets. His greatest ambition was to love and provide for his wife Annamarie, which he did faithfully for 66 years.

Tom passed away on May 30, 2026, at 88 years of age, surrounded by family with his wife holding his hand.

A memorial service will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington, June 23,2026 at 11:00 A.M. with a family gathering to follow.

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