William Jasper

Obituary William Jasper Thomas William Jasper was born January 18, 1924 in Corona, CA., the only child of William Bryan Jasper and Wilda Nowels Jasper. He died December 30, 2009 in Tacoma. At the age of 3 he moved with his parent to Illinois and attended elementary school there. When he was 12 years old the family returned to Whittier, CA where he graduated from Whittier Union High School in 1942. He was attending Fullerton Junior College when he left to join the U.S. Navy during World War II. His service in the Navy was chiefly in the armed guard. This was a Naval Unit assigned to a merchant ship to guard it in convoy to its destination in the South Pacific Australia, New Guinea, or South America. Because of his length of sea duty he was eligible for 19 months shore duty and was assigned to Fire Control on the Navy pier in Tacoma, where he met his future wife Frances at a U.S.O. dance. They married April 26, 1947. In November 1948 he was honorably discharged in Seattle and then attended Knapp Business College until going to work for the City of Tacoma. He retired in 1980 as office manager of the Water Distribution office after 31 years service. After his retirement he and Frances enjoyed travelling and especially attending Elderhostels at various colleges throughout the U.S. He was an avid sports fan, especially of baseball. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council 809, Bishop McGrath Assembly of the 4th Deg. K. of C., Combest Family Assoc., and former member of the Tacoma SERRA Club and Tacoma Elks Lodge 174. He is survived by Frances, his wife of 62 years; Daughters: Cathy Thome (Leroy) of Anderson Island; Susan Power (Patrick) Wauna, WA; Paula Jasper Carlton (Jack ) Girard, Ohio; Grandchildren: Chris Thome (Chrissy) Vancouver, WA, Mary Beth Thome, Kirkland, WA. Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 10:30 am followed by Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Entombment at Calvary Cloisters. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.