THOMAS MARION "TOM” VANDECOEVERING was born February 11, 1922 at his maternal grandparents' place south of Roy, Oregon, the son of William and Delia (Vandehey) Vandecoevering. He was one of fourteen children. Tom was raised and received his education in the Verboort community, attending Visitation School. As the oldest son, he was often entrusted with the transportation of the younger siblings.
He was united in marriage to Florence Vanaudenhaegen on August 20, 1966 in Verboort, Oregon. Following their marriage they made their home on the family farm in Verboort. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Florence, on August 11, 2001, after celebrating over thirty-four years of marriage.
Tom was a farmer throughout his lifetime. As a young boy, he helped his father plow the fields, bale hay and straw and do the chores. Over the years, Tom raised and harvested grain and hay on his brothers acreage.
He was a lifelong member of the Visitation Catholic Church.
Tom liked to tinker and at one time, fixed watches and clocks. His advice and assistance in the repair of tractors, cars and farm equipment was sought by many. He also fixed washing machines, refrigerators, stoves and other household items. Tom had a compassionate sense of healing, being consulted often by those seeking remedies for their aches and pains. Tom faithfully tended his elderly parents, wife, and many others in need.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, William and Delia Vandeeoevering and three brothers, Vincent, Stephen, and Edward.
Tom passed away October 25, 2006. He is survived by eight sisters and brothers-in-law, Agnes Coates of Aloha, Oregon; Mary and Fred Stadelman of North Plains, Oregon; Willhelmina "Minnie" and Norbert K. Krieger of Tillamook, Oregon; Margaret and John Chmielewski of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada; Theresa and Gerald Mandel of Pensacola, Florida; Sister M. Clare Vandecoevering, S.S.M.O; Sister Agnes Marie Vandecoevering S.S.M.O. and Sister Anne Vandecoevering, S.S.M.O. all of Verboort, Oregon; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Harold and Linda Vandecoevering of Banks, Oregon and Albert and Lorna Vandecoevering of Verboort, Oregon; two sisters-in-law, Anita Vandecoevering of Verboort, Oregon and Donna Vandecoevering Burge of Tidewater, Oregon; and numerous nieces and nephews.