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Obituary for Thomas Joe Short
Thomas Joe Short Thomas Joe Short, 79, of Eugene, died March 9, 2010 in his home of cancer. He was born Dec. 8, 1930 in Utica, Oklahoma, but lived most of his childhood in Texas with his father and mother, Durwood and Jewell (Eastep) Short and his two younger brothers, Andrew and Loyle. His father moved the family to the Portland area in the early 1940’s , then to Brownsville to work in the lumber industry. Tom worked with his father operating portable sawmills and he met his future wife, Nancy Moehnke. They married in Roseburg in 1953. In Roseburg, he worked for Engle Lumber, until moving to Brookings in 1957 to begin a new job at South Coast Lumber, as head sawyer. Mr. Short worked for South Coast Lumber, in all phases of lumber production, the last 17 years as Production Supervisor. In 1984, the Shorts relocated to Molalla, where Mr. Short was Superintendent of the Sawmill Division of Avison Lumber Co. In 1994, they retired and returned to Brookings. In 2006, Tom’s wife Nancy passed away from cancer. He became reacquainted with a friend from Brownsville, Sondra Callsen-Juve, in 2007. He moved to Eugene and they were married on Sept. 24, 2009. Mr. Short was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Elks BPOE 1934, Sydney Croft Masonic Lodge and was a Shriner. He was a long time square dance caller, past member of the Chetco Swingeroos and also organized square dance groups in both Gold Beach and Molino, OR. Tom was a master woodworker. He enjoyed working in his shop with all types of wood, making special gifts and refinishing furniture. He also did handyman work and was always willing to help make someone’s project complete. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and clamming. He helped coach his children in sports in their younger years and was a steady support at their many games and meets. He especially enjoyed attending the games, concerts and activities of his grandchildren. They were a highlight of his life. Survivors include his wife Sondra of Eugene; his sons Randy Short and wife Dorene of Oakville, WA, Kevin Short and companion Cathy of Brookings; daughter Patty McVay and husband Pat of Harbor; his mother, Jewell Rees of Roseburg; brother Andrew Short and wife Libby of Firestone, CO; three nephews and a niece, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; Sondra’s son Lars Larson and wife Linda; and Sondra’s daughter Danele Welsh and husband Jim. He was also preceded in death by his father, Durwood and brother, Loyle. Memorial donations may be made to Sacred Heart Hospice, 1121 Fairfield St., Eugene, OR 97402 or Trinity Lutheran Church Youth Fund, P.O. Box 1199, Brookings, OR 97415 A graveside service and inurnment will be at 12 noon, Saturday, April 10, at the Moehnke Family Cemetery in Beavercreek. Pastor Berry Scruggs will officiate.
