Tom Kadlec

On May 22, 2022, Our Lord decided to call a very special Dad, Friend and Husband home to be with Him.

Tom Kadlec was born June 15, 1934 in Ritzville, but also spent 3 years in Lind and 3 years in Spokane prior to moving back.

Tom married Linda Whitaker (Kadlec) June 1, 1963 and they had 59 amazing years together. During that time he worked as an Insurance Agent and owned Adams County Insurance Agency for 30 years. He also served as a Volunteer Fireman for 30 years, and earned the respect of so, so many in his role. Tom also enjoyed teaching Firearm Safety for 15 years to the local kids getting ready to hunt and was also a dedicated member of the Ritzville Lions Club for 45 plus years where he made several lifelong friends. Tom loved mother nature and the outdoors. If he wasn’t at home, you could find him out at Crab Creek chasing deer or ducks or the Spokane and Columbia River chasing that elusive walleye or steelhead. However, one wasn’t too elusive as he has a giant walleye that he was so proud of mounted on his living room wall. Hunting and fishing were his absolute favorite things to do and he loved doing them with his boys and Brick - and of course with Lowell as well. When he wasn’t in the outdoors, he could be found hanging out with the “boys” down at Connell Oil, or back in the good ol’ days - at the Circle T. He found that he would always learn something new from his friends during his coffee breaks each day. He really enjoyed driving school bus for 40 plus years and we will still hear people talk about the impact he had on the kids, and he would always make sure they got home safely through good and bad weather.

His Favorite Songs were “In The Garden”, “How Great Thou Art”, and “In My Heart Sings A Melody” He graduated from WSU with a BA in Business Administration and also served 2 years in the Army Security Agency

His father and mother James and Mabel Kadlec preceded him in death. He has a sister Sandy Schafer and 2 sons Kelly and Kyle Kadlec - and their wives Kelly Sue and Michelle Kadlec. He also has 3 grandkids, Jaret, Trevor and Reece Kadlec.

Tom loved his dogs alot. He had 5 dogs during his lifetime, but his favorite was his last - “Lily” who preceded him almost a year ago.

If you choose, please send donations to Adams County Pet Rescue in Othello in lieu of flowers.

Viewing was held Friday June 3, at Danekas Funeral Home in Ritzville, WA. A memorial service will be held June 11th at the Zion Philadelphia Church at 301 E Broadway in Ritzville WA.