Lawrence Tai Pew Tom's Obituary
Lawrence Tai Pew Tom, 99, passed away peacefully at his home in Koa Ridge, Hawaii in the care of his son, Guy Tom, and daughter-in-law, Reiko Tom, on September 29, 2025. He was born on May 19, 1926, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Quan Ki Tom and Lum Chow Tom.
Lawrence grew up with four sisters (Dorothy, Bette, Amy, and Delphine) and one brother (Raymond) on Vineyard Street, between River and Liliha, walking to Kauluwela Elementary School. He attended Farrington High School, then McKinley High School. At age 17, before graduating from high school, Lawrence enlisted in the U.S. Merchant Marine. The family moved to Kahaluu when Lawrence was drafted by the Army at 19. He first reported to Schofield Barracks, and was later shipped overseas. He served two tours in Germany and three tours in Korea.
It was while in Korea that Lawrence met his future wife, Nam Soon Chung. Their eldest son, Raymond, was born in Korea. After they were married, Lawrence and Sue lived with Lawarence’s mom and dad in Kahaluu. Sue stayed in Hawaii to have their second son, Guy, while Lawrence reported to Fort Irwin, Barstow, California. Lawrence returned to Hawaii for Guy’s birth (a very stormy day) then they all moved to Barstow. To reenlist, the Army sent Lawrence and family back home to Hawaii each time. The Army relocated the family to Fort Meade, Baltimore, Maryland, where their daughter, Winona, was born, then to Fort Riley, Kansas, to Hawaii for two years, followed by a tour in Panama. After Panama the Army no longer sent its personnel home to reenlist, so the family was sent directly to Carlisle Barracks,
Pennsylvania, then on to the Naval Supply Depot in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. That’s when, Birdie, an orange-winged Amazon parrot, joined the family and stayed for 52 years.
The family moved back to Hawaii in 1971 while Lawrence reported to Vietnam. It was there that he earned two Bronze Stars for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces. He returned to Hawaii where he retired after 27 years in the Army, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. His post-Army jobs included driving a cab, followed by a civil service job managing supplies, a discipline he knew well. He retired from the civil service and eventually
became a triple dipper.
Lawrence was dedicated to his family and home life. The boy who joined the U.S. Merchant Marine at 17 and got his GED while in the Army sent all three kids to college. He was proud of his kids and spouses, grandson, their accomplishments, and proud of his tenacious, akamai wife. He also loved watching football and old westerns from his youth on TV, and enjoyed keeping up with current events, religiously watching certain TV broadcasts to learn the latest news.
Lawrence was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Nam Soon Tom; and son, Raymond Kun Toung Tom. Lawrence is survived by his son, Guy (Reiko) Tom of Koa Ridge, Hawaii; daughter, Winona (Thomas) Statz of San Diego, California; grandson, Benjamin Statz of San Diego, California; and nieces, nephews, and their families.
A private memorial service will be held for close family and friends. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to support research into prostate cancer, such as the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
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