Thomas Adelbert Brattain

Celebrating Life

Thomas Adelbert Brattain, otherwise known as “Tommy Dale” or “Popi” was 82 years young when he went to be with Jesus and loved ones on October 19, 2023. A memorial service honoring his life will be held on October 28, 2023, at the Baker City Christian Church beginning at 3:00 PM. Following the memorial service, the family will host a reception in the church reception hall.

Tom was born to Tom and Ruth Brattain in Lakeview, Oregon on November 10, 1940.  He grew up in Paisley, Oregon, and went to school there as well.

Tom’s family owned a prominent cattle ranch where, at an early age he became a wrangler, a horseman, a cattleman, and learned all the trades a rancher must know-in other words, he was a horse trainer, a fabricator, a builder, a mechanic, a vet, a business manager, CEO, and much, much more.  

After graduating high school, Tom attended Southern Oregon College in Ashland before he was called into the army to serve in Korea.  While in Korea he worked on missiles.  

After serving in Korea, Tom returned to the ranch in Southern Oregon.  

On June 30, 1983, he married Mary Jane Ward.  She was the love of his life.  They were married for 34 years.  In the 1990’s Tom and Mary Jane moved to Baker City where they settled in their home on Pocahontas Road until their life together on this planet came to a close.  

Tom was one of the dying breed of real cowboys.  He spent many days on horseback on long cattle drives in cold, windy weather.  He also loved planes, was a voracious reader and was especially interested in guns and World War II airplanes.   

More important than his hobbies was Tom’s faith in Jesus Christ and his love for his wife and family which included Mary Jane’s four daughters and two daughters from a previous marriage, their husbands, and a pile of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

For many years Tom volunteered to help with the reading program at the Haines School.  He was also active at the Senior Center and rarely missed a Sunday at Baker City Christian Church.  

Tom was well loved and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the community.  

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane of 34 years, his son Matt, and a daughter Wendy Marks.  He is survived by his sister, Susan Taylor, daughters: Marcella Crawford, Johni Jones, Vicky Schroeder, Cindy Whitford, Ricky Whiteman, theirs and Wendy’s spouses, children, and grandchildren.  

Memorial contributions in honor of Tom can be made to the Haines School Book Fund through Gray’s West & Company, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, Oregon 97814. Obituary courtesy of Grays West & Co. 

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