W. Thomas Wackeen

Tom lived a life full of fun, adventure and love. He wore many hats: husband, father, grandfather, attorney, Air Force JAG officer, grill-master extraordinaire, world traveler (until the age of 86), and game aficionado (particularly poker, bridge, and backgammon). He was born in Whittier, California in 1940 to Walter and Thelma (Ruth) Wackeen. He started working at a young age in his parents’ store, continuing working through high school (Whittier High), and putting himself through college (Los Angeles State University), graduating with a B.S. degree in History, his life-long passion.

He met and married his first wife, Julia Rae Mastros, in 1959, and had two beloved children; Thomas Charles Wackeen (deceased) and Roxanne Wackeen Shankland. After graduating from college, he joined the Air Force as an officer, serving in Vietnam, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. While in active duty, he relished the adventure, travel and challenges faced as an Intelligence Officer, particularly when living abroad in Germany with his wife and young son. Tom was stationed in Texas, Vietnam, Germany and finally Washington D.C., where he was encouraged by the Air Force to seek his law degree from the University of Florida, while being a reserve officer. He met his life-long friends at UF, and served as President of his section, all while being a hands-on father. He earned his law degree and subsequently practiced law for 50 years in Stuart, Florida, his last partnership being at Fox, Wackeen & Dungey. During his time in Stuart, he enjoyed coaching his son in youth sports, being a founding member of The Optimist Club, boating, deep sea fishing, lobstering in the Keys, playing bridge and golf at the Yacht and Country Club, and most importantly-attending Gator football games.

Tom enjoyed his life in Florida, living in Gainsville, Orlando, Jensen Beach and Stuart for over 50 years before being true to his 83 year-old adventurous self, and moved cross-county with his wife, Vicki Junod Wackeen, to Gig Harbor, Washington, in order to be closer to family.

Tom’s warmth and loving spirit touched the hearts if everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 30 years, Vicki Junod Wackeen, his daughter Roxanne Wackeen Shankland (just missing her upcoming wedding to Jon Wyers by one month), and his three grandchildren: ShyRivka Axelrod, Zoë Marin Shankland, and Razi Thomas Shankland.

Throughout his 86 years, Tom never let go of his playful side, or his love of taking care of his family. We all hope to follow in his footsteps.

There will be a service at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. (March, 2028) as well as Celebrations of Life in both Stuart, Florida (March, 2027) and in Los Angeles, California (December, 2026).

In lieu of flowers, we ask donations to be made in Tom’s name to PBS of Tacoma: kbtc.org/giving/

Go Gators!🐊