Mr. Thomas Henry Wellington II was born March 1, 1946 in Los Angeles, California. He was the eldest of four children born to Lloyd L. and Doris Moss. Both parents preceded him in death.
Thomas was baptized at an early age by his uncle, the Elder Clovis A. Wellington while attending Wadsworth Church Of God in Los Angeles, California. He attended South Park Elementary, Gompers Junior High, and Fremont High Schools, Graduating from S. M. Dorsey High School, Los Angeles, California in 1964. He loved sports, lettering in Track and Football. He later attended San Bernardino Valley College and received his AA degree in Liberal Arts with a Minor in Water systems Reclamation and Distribution. His greatest past time was roller skating at various roller rinks.
In 1966 Thomas enlisted into the US Navy for four years, where he served two combat tours of Vietnam, his decorations include:
• Vietnam Campaign Medal (w/1960 Device)
• Vietnam Service Medals (w/3 Bronze Stars for
Gallantry)
• Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation
Ribbon Bar (Gallantry Cross w/Palm and Frame)
• National Defense Service Medal
• Good Conduct Medal
• Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon,
• Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon
• Combat Action Ribbon
• Navy “E” Ribbon
• And the Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, for the twelve years he served as a Drilling Naval Reservist. His chief duties were the commands Recruiter, and Career Counselor.
We honor this highly decorated combat veteran for his extraordinary heroism in action, displaying gallantry, determination, in accomplishing his unit’s mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions, where 13 men in his unit lost their lives in a single engagement against an armed enemy during the 1968 Vietnam Tet Offense.
Thomas loved the West Pacific especially, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippine Islands. While station in Subic Bay, he studied Kuntaw Kung-Fu Karate obtaining a “First Degree Black Belt”.
In 1972 Thomas married Bessie LaVerne Haley. To that union daughters Sonia Ruth and Tanya Cherrelle were born.
A year later he became an apprentice in the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12, where he operated
various types of heavy construction equipments. In 1972, Thomas was informed that Heavy Construction equipment perators were needed on the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline Project. He worked 2 1/2 years on the pipeline, were he encountered grizzly bears and moose and was amazed at the massive size of the animals in real life. He loved talking about his experience on the pipeline project, were he said he would “Work ah While......Pan ah While” for Gold!
He also loved fishing for salmon at his favorite fishing place. Most of his friends thought the one mile hike through the woods was too far to go for salmon knowing bears would be in the area.
Thomas loved Alaska so much that he moved his family to Anchorage in 1977. That year Thomas began a career with the U. S. Department of Defense at Fort Richardson’s Central Power Plant. He held positions as Steam Turbine Generator operator, Boiler Plant Operator, and Electric Power Controller. He obtained his Class 1 Stationary Engineers License, and was promoted to Operation & Maintenance Supervisor WS-12. During the latter years of his career in Alaska he also obtained License and Certification in Water Treatment and Distribution.
Upon retirement from Federal Service in 2004, he received the Department of Army, Achievement Medal, and Medal & Certificate of Appreciation for Dedicated Service.
Thomas said every young man needs guidance in his life’s journey, and that his three role models were; Mr. Melvin Brown of Los Angeles, CA. who thought him automotive mechanics and street sense; Pastor, Dr. Alonzo B. Patterson Jr., Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Anchorage, Alaska thought him how to, sheet rock walls, and ceilings at Shiloh, to
be humble, pray and ask God for vision and purpose; and Rev. Jesse Wilson Jr. who happen to be Chief of Utilities Plants Branch, were Thomas worked at Fort Richardson. Thomas said Jesse would keep him focus. To be humble, steadfast, patient and to always stay close to “The Fire.”
Thomas attended church all of his life. He was youth choir director at Compton First Church of God, and sung in church and community choirs from Los Angeles to Anchorage, Alaska. He was taught by some of the best in the gospel recording industry, such as; James M. Smith (Jay) Greater New Unity Baptist Church of Los Angeles, California;
Cooky Levy, Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church of Riverside, California; Harrison (Bubba) Johnson Los Angeles Community Choir, California; Henry Jackson Company of Los Angeles, California; Daryll Hawk, GMWA Anchorage, Alaska Chapter; and the Rev. James Cleveland, Great Grace Memorial COGIC, Los Angeles, California.
Thomas‘ professional affiliations include; Anchorage Alaska Municipal Light & Power Commission, The Alaska Black Caucus, Boy Scout Master, American Legion, Coalition of Vietnam Vets, Re-enactor & past member of Nicodemus Buffalo Soldiers Association, past member of the Alaska Chapter Gospel Music Workshop of America, and President, Nicodemus Historical Society.
He awaits the Homegoing Passage of his two daughters, Three Grandchildren, Michael, Kiyana, and Daylin all of Anchorage, Alaska, brothers, Melvin Hamilton of Los Angeles CA, Rev. Timothy L. Wellington of Nicodemus, Kansas, Larry L. Wellington (unknown), Edward L. Lumpkin Wellington (unknown), sisters Barbara Christian of Denver, Colorado, and Herlinda Bowen of Bloomington, CA.
Preceding him in death were his Mother and Father, Sisters, Pearlena Moore of Nicodemus, KS., Evelyn Meadows, of Denver, Colorado, Sharon Wellington, McDonough, GA and Brothers Ronald and Charles Hamilton of Los Angeles CA.. Left to cherish Thomas’ legacy are a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.