Thomas "Tom" William Stearrett

Thomas William Stearrett, 81, of McCall, Idaho, passed away suddenly in his home, on Wednesday, August 26, 2020.

Tom was born in Wilmington, Delaware on March 15, 1939. 

Tom retired a Chief Petty Officer after serving 30 years in the United States Navy. His career included a combat tour in the Republic of Vietnam from 1965-1966 with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Nine attached to the first Marine Division. After his Vietnam service, he volunteered for the Navy’s submarine service starting out in diesel electric submarines, completing tours on the USS Caiman, USS Halfbeak, and USS Corporal. He then transitioned to nuclear powered submarines, serving on the USS George C. Marshall and USS Archerfish. Other highlights of his Navy career include serving on the Submarine Squadron 14 staff in Holy Loch, Scotland, and on the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) staff at the University of Idaho.

Tom was an avid skier and spent over 30 years on ski patrol at various mountains. He loved McCall, ID for its snowy winters and rugged mountains.  Tom especially appreciated his time with his wonderful friends and had many fond memories of drinking martinis with them. And he enjoyed his horses, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, camping, four-wheeling, playing and watching Rugby, driving his Corvette, and sailing on his sailboat.  

Tom was married to Vickie Louise Stearrett on February 13, 2015. The two were together for a total of eleven years. Tom is survived by his wife Vickie (Vickie Lou), his sons Dave (Barb) and Jim (Lety), his daughter Jane Arney, and his grandchildren Nathaniel and Allison.  He is also survived by his brothers Kenneth and Phillip, along with nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Charles John Stearrett and Catherine Bernice Butt, and his brother, John Stearrett. 

Tom enjoyed life, his wife, family, friends, and his many “toys” until the day he died.

His irreverent, salty wit, his tough guy admonitions to “cowboy up, dude,” and his stories from his submariner and ski patrol days all contributed to his legendary character.

We will miss you Tom!

No services will be held at this time. 

Online condolences may be left at www.mccallfunerals.com

Arrangements in care of McCall Funeral Home.

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