THOMAS BLAINE GARTON

Thomas Blaine Garton, (Tom, Tommy, Tex), passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the
age of 74, with his wife Kim and son Kirk by his side. He was born in Corona, CA, to Douglas and
Betty JoAnn Garton. Tom was the eldest of three boys; his brother Jeff, four (4) years younger
and Brother John, the youngest by five (5+) years.
Tom grew up in Corona, CA, which was a small community at the time. He graduated from
Corona High School in 1969, then shortly thereafter, enlisting in the Navy, completing his
training at the U.S. Navy Seal base in Coronado, CA. He served overseas in Vietnam and
returned home in 1971, with an Honorable Discharge.
Being born into a family of Roofing Contractors, Tom eventually settled in Riverside, CA, where
Tom worked in the Roofing Industry for well over sixty (60) years, starting with loading roofs for
Garton Roof, the family business, up to and including purchasing and operating Roy O Huffman
Roof Company, with his wife, Kim Garton, since 2004.
Tom lived a good life and always a smile on his face. He enjoyed his cars; never missed a
NASCAR or Indy race. He was very much a Private Person. He had a real passion for cooking,
one of his best kept secrets. He also loved the “Beach Boys” and was a “master” at “Name that
Tune”……..Artist, Song Title and year of the hit; even “one-time” wonders. Tom had a special 6 th
sense too with animals; perhaps due to his quiet demeanor and steed fast calm personality, he
was just a “natural”. He had a strong family upbringing, instilling love for his family and
community, along with inheriting that “Garton” way and sense of humor. He liked most of all
being in Big Bear; taking care of the Fireplace; keeping the wood stocked, along with a good
steak or ribs on the BBQ; no doubt, he was a real Cowboy at heart! Many times he would
say………..”This isn’t my first Rodeo!”…….
Tom is survived by his Wife Kim of thirty-six (36) years, his daughter Candace DeNato, Sons Paul
DeAguilar and Kirk Garton; Daughter in-law April DeAguilar. Grandsons, Corbin Blankenship
and Peyton DeNato. Granddaughters, Sophia and Lenora DeAguilar and Brothers Jeff and John
Garton.
He will be missed, our hearts are broken for now, but will mend in time. He will never be
forgotten and he will live in our hearts forever!
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Tom’s memory can make contributions / donations
to; Wounded Warrior Project Or VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) at the links below.
In memory of Thomas Blaine Garton.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Akes Family Funeral Home, Riverside, California.

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