Thomas A. McJunkin died November 25th at home, family at his side, in Redding, CA after a brief battle with cancer. He was 76. He was a man who loved God and His Word. Tom did not need a prestigious title to perform a significant role as a man.
A very full life was lead by Tom with him fulfilling every role he was given. He was always on the go, building or improving something whether it be building corrals, building and selling custom Harley’s or just repairing the family car – he always “got r’ done”. Along with his responsibilities at home.
Tom executed due diligence in all of his vocations. Tom graduated life with top honors. Entering the U. S. Army during the Korean War, he courageously served his country in far off Alaska. He humorously recalled making blackberry ice cream with Alaskan snow. Leaving the Army as a corporal, he married Mary Lou Troy in 1956. Tom joined the California Highway Patrol in 1958, serving the San Jose area as a motorcycle officer until he retired on disability. Afterward, he became an owner operator truck driver.
He was an accomplished motorcyclist, riding since the late 1940’s and attended the Daytona Bike Week with Mary Lou in 1992. He rode throughout many states, covering the US from coast to coast. Mary Lou passed away in 1998.
He later married Donna Banks who also enjoyed riding and traveling with Tom. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou; father Orville McJunkin; mother Anna McJunkin, and his dear mother-in-law Rosemary Troy Hoak and father-in-law Floyd Troy. He is survived by wife, Donna McJunkin; his sisters Marlene and Jean McJunkin of OH, sister-in-law Kate Matthews of Nacogdoches, TX and brother-in-law Gene Troy of Wyoming, son Paul McJunkin and wife Cindy of Manteca, CA, son Tom McJunkin and wife Kathy of Hollister along with daughter Rose Wollaston and husband Eric of Manteca, CA. Tom is also remembered by his fifteen grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. Thomas McJunkin was laid to rest on December 4, 2009 at Tehama cemetery in Gerber, CA. Any memorial contributions are asked to be given to the CHP Widows & Orphans Trust Fund.
