Thomas Nagle

Thomas Nagle passed away on October 22nd at Cottage at the Meadow with family and friends at his side. Tom was born on June 9th 1952 in Yakima, Washington to Robert L. and Mary L. Nagle. He was raised on the family apple orchard in West Valley. As a kid, he spent much time in the orchards and surrounding area, be it working on the smudge pots late at night, or pellet rifle hunting. He attended Mountainview Elementary School, and graduated from West Valley High School. The Washington State University campus in Pullman, Washington was a very special place for Tom, and it served as the setting for many fun-filled and precious moments in his life. There, he met his wife, Kristine Fay Johnson, and the two were wed on August 23rd 1975. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science in 1974. Tom was an enthusiastic member of the fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon. He was always proud to be a "coug", and never missed a football game, occasionally traveling back to Pullman to spectate in person. Tom enrolled in WSU's ROTC program, and was commissioned into the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. He served as a platoon leader in the 25th Infantry Division, stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii on the Island of Oahu. Some of his military exploits included a field training exercise in South Korea, and suffering a centipede bite while on bivouac. Between Pullman and Hawaii, he and Kris made many lifelong friends. Upon Tom's Honorable Discharge from the army as a First Lieutenant, he and Kris returned to Washington State. Tom attended law school at the university of Puget Sound, and graduated with honors. The two settled on the outskirts of Yakima, not far from the family farm. Tom was a passionate proponent for the 'under dog" in any given situation, which led him into work as a criminal defense lawyer. He later transitioned over to work in personal bankruptcies. Tom often flexed his own schedule to assist clients in need. He also firmly believed in treating all people with dignity, kindness, and respect, regardless of social or economic status. Christmas was easily Tom's favorite holiday. He often went to great lengths to ensure that his family and those around him had a pleasant holiday. He was known for piping Christmas music into the office the entire month of December, and he would rouse the family Christmas morning by blaring classic holiday music through the house. Every year, he looked forward to attending the White's Christmas party. Tom and Kris had one child, a son, named Lee, born in 1984. Tom passed his love for the outdoors onto his son, often accompanying him on Boy Scout trips into the Cascade Mountains. He coached Lee's Coach Pitch and Little League baseball teams for three years, always encouraging 'the fundamentals" and 'two handed catches". For one "epic" father-son trip, the two flew down to Wyandotte, Oklahoma for a massive paintball event entitled, "D-Day in Oklahoma". He had a great time doing mock battle with his son against the Germans. While at the event, a photo of Tom was captured that appeared in the nationally distributed magazine, Action Pursuit Games. Tom also passed onto his son, a love and proper use of firearms, an affinity for classic James Bond movies, and his sardonic and self-deprecating sense of humor. Tom was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He firmly believed in the sanctity of marriage. He was pleased to see his son marry Kassandra Breding (Nagle), and frequently remarked at how great he thought she was. adored his grandsons, Finn Lear Nagle-Glasscock, and Robert Thomas Nagle. He especially enjoyed reading to Finn, and taking him for rides on the tractor lawn-mower. He looked forward to doing the same with Robert. Tom's kindness and wit will be missed, but will surely live on in those who knew him. Certainly, these qualities will reveal themselves in his grandsons. And, without a doubt, the adventures, dinners, and trips he took with Kris and their friends will live on as legendary. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lee Nagle, mother, Mary Louise (McCormick), brother Thomas Lee Nagle, and brother James Nagle. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kristine (Johnson), brothers: John (Shelly) Nagle, Samuel M. (Tracey) Nagle; son, Lee Nagle; grandsons: Finn Lear Nagle-Glassock, and Robert Thomas Nagle; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 10:30 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, Yakima, WA. Burial will follow at West Hills Memorial Park with military honors. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Tom’s honor to Cottage in the Meadow or Yakima Memorial Children’s Village. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas Nagle, please visit our flower store.