Tom Eugene Welch, of Eugene, OR passed away on April 16th, 2026. He was born on July 10th, 1947 to Lue and Inez Welch (Caudle) in Visalia, CA and had four older brothers. During his high school years he proved to be a self-taught repair genius, fixing many radios, toasters and TVs for school staff.

In March of 1966 he married Sandra Cates of Arcata and in November of that year he joined the Navy.He was stationed in Kodiak, Alaska and served on both the Enterprise and USS Kittyhawk. After the Navy Tom worked for Kawneer Doors & Windows in Visalia. His skills grew and his work included translating engineer designs into finished products and leading production teams.

He became interested in clock repair in the early 1970s and proved to be exceptional at the trade. His first project was his step-dad’s antique kitchen clock. When he started the repair parts flew out all over the room. His step-dad said it would never run again. However, Tom found all the parts, figured out how they went back together and got that clock ticking away! He did clock repair and restoration for many businesses in Visalia and opened his own clock shop in 1977.

Upon Sandra’s death in 1978 he and his son Aaron moved to Salem, OR where his family lived. Tom and Pam met through a friend of Tom’s at First Baptist Church. They married in December 1978. Tom continued in clock repair and restoration, becoming an Oregon State Certified Master Clockmaker. He retired after 30 years in his chosen career.

Tom enjoyed collecting and over the years had many “collections” often reflecting the historical development in technology in things like cameras, watches and sewing machines! He bought his first computer from Radio Shack in the early 1980s. He said, “You watch, I will make money with this.” And he did! He researched, studied and often traveled long distances to add to his collection of current interest. One item was never enough, but he was always willing to sell the current collection to begin a new one or enable his family to achieve their dreams. His motto was to pay less than the value setting himself up to make a profit.

Tom was blessed with a loving family including wife, Pam, son Aaron & daughter-in-law Carrie, daughters Sarah, Rebecca & son-in-law Chris, and grandchildren Harley and Mason. He was their most dedicated cheerleader through all their endeavors and interests. He always encouraged them to follow their dreams. He loved using his design and repair skills to help his family with all types of projects. These ranged from normal household jobs to crazy projects like building a pumpkin catapult for his grandson’s birthday and 3D printing the talking doorknob and cookie cutters for his granddaughter's Alice in Wonderland birthday. He was a patient teacher of the many skills he had learned through his life. He always had good advice (when asked). He told his wife, Pam, “I love you” multiple times a day, held her hand while watching TV, and always kissed her goodnight. Tom could be silly and was lots of fun with a quick sense of humor that delighted everyone. There has never been or ever will be a more loving, faithful, steady and supportive husband and father.

In the eyes of his family, Tom was a gentle giant.. He hid his emotions most of the time but a sad movie or a plea for help on behalf of people in need would move him to tears. He was a strong believer in the love of Jesus but going to church brought out the tears and being a man he was shy to show the depth of his heart. One of the last things that brought tears to his eyes was when he quoted a man from a TV. program, “I used to talk to my kids about Jesus, but now I talk to Jesus about my kids.”

Tom is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren; brother Jim & wife Kay of Vernal, UT and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be interned at Fir Grove Cemetery in Cottage Grove, Oregon.