Thomas L. Harrington 1933 - 2020

HARRINGTON, HANSON

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 9/21/2024 at 21:13:20

Sioux City Journal
15 June 2024

Thomas L. Harrington

July 29, 1933 - February 3, 2020

SIOUX CITY - Thomas L. Harrington 86, of Sioux City, IA passed away into the loving arms of our Lord on February 3, 2020. A private memorial service to celebrate his remarkable life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 22nd at First Evangelical Free Church, 9th and Douglas, Sioux City, Iowa.

Tom, the youngest of eight children, was born July 29, 1933 in Sioux City. He attended schools there and joined the Navy in 1951. He served four years of active duty, some during the Korean Conflict, and four years inactive duty. He served on the USS Midway Carrier's first world cruise. He also served aboard the USS Destroyer Dyess.

In the summer of 1958, Tom met his "Wonderful One" Helen Hanson, through a mutual friend. Helen was in town for six weeks of rehearsal with "Holiday on Ice." He chased her until she caught him. They were united in marriage, September 19, 1959 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Minneapolis, MN where Tom was also baptized and confirmed. They lived in Minneapolis for several years and were blessed with the births of their son, Charles and daughter, Leslie.

Tom was a natural salesman with his open honesty, knowledge, listening abilities, twinkling blue eyes and downright charm. They also lived in Wisconsin Dells, WI and Sioux City, IA before retiring to a lake home their son built on Pelican Lake in Minnesota. Their home was always filled with family and friends sharing great food, good times and much laughter. While living in Wisconsin Dells, Tom who was an excellent baseball player and had played minor league baseball for the San Francisco Giants, originated and coached Little League Baseball. He was also an active member of the Kiwanis Club. While living in Sioux City, he coached Little League and Youth Football.

He was also an active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sioux City serving as Lecturer, Vestryman and Sr. Warden for many years.

Tom and Helen loved dancing, big 4th of July family picnics, trips with family, and fishing together on the dock. He cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren. His life spoke clearly of his love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Helen, a son Charles (Robyn) Harrington of Sioux City, daughter Leslie (Anthony) Green of Alexandria, MN; grandchildren: Damon Harrington, Kymberlee (Patrick) Patterson, Kelli Harrington and fiancé Mason Jensen, Jessica Green and Samantha Green; great grandchildren: Clover and Guy who brought him much joy in the last 4 years. He is also survived by his brother Don Harrington, sister-in-law Mary Remes, brother-in-law Roger (Cathy) Hanson and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and step dad, Gladys and Charlie Byers, two brothers: Richard and Jerry Harrington, four sisters: Jean Schultz, Janice Elsner, Rosemary Moriston and Patricia Bernard and a special dog named Bo Jangles.

Tom, we'll miss your generous heart, endearing teasing, quick wit, wonderful cooking including your potato salad and banana pancakes. But most of all – your great smile, big hugs, and twinkling eyes. Deeply Loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Siouxland.