Thomas “Tom” Clyde Hering of Philomath lost his courageous battle with cancer at his home on May 6, 2026. Tom grew up in Corvallis, graduating from Corvallis High School and attending Linn-Benton Community College. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves for six years until he was honorably discharged. Tom met a girl named Sandi, who would later become his wife of nearly 49 years. Together they raised their daughter, Staci, and their son, Derik.
Family was Tom’s favorite thing in the world (his words). He also loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing with family members, and gardening. Tom was a hard worker his whole life and took great pride in providing for his wife and children. Besides marriage and having children, Tom fulfilled one of his dreams of becoming a journeyman lineman foreman during his 40-plus-year career at Consumers Power. Another dream was to own a piece of property and run a small Black Angus cow-calf operation. This dream was also achieved, mostly through his hard work.
Tom and Sandi are lifetime members of Philomath Frolic and Rodeo, having helped build the original facility from the ground up, and running rough stock gates during the rodeo for decades. Tom will always be remembered for his honesty and integrity, his sense of humor, his very firm (and sometimes painful) handshake and his infectious smile (and that certain grin that included the twinkle in his eye). He was greatly loved and respected by his entire family, as well as all who knew him. Tom is sorely missed and will never be forgotten. His legacy lives on through children and grandchildren.
Survivors include wife Sandi, daughter Staci (Matt), son Derik (Meg), grandchildren Madison, Colt, Sylas, Nathaniel and Ryan, brothers Jim and Steve (Liz), and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and so many friends. He was predeceased by parents Tom and Nita, and sisters-in-law Jean and Jeri.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Philomath rodeo grounds on Sunday, June 7, from 2 to 5 p.m.