Obituary of Thomas Melvin Dauterman

Tom Dauterman, 81, of Chico passed away peacefully with his wife Sue by his side, on Monday, February 26th 2024, after a three year courageous battle with cancer. Tom was born to Alice and George Dauterman on July 19, 1942 in Los Angeles. The family moved to Durham in 1948 where he attended high school and graduated with the class of 1960. After high school Tom worked as a carpenter with his father building houses and during this season he met the love of his life and forever sweetheart, Sue Mathews. Tom and Sue were married on November 30, 1963, and began their life together. They made their home together in Chico, where Tom worked for PG&E and Sue for AAA. Tom left PG&E to officially start his first business, out of their garage in Chico. After moving his work to a small building on Fifth Street, Thomas Welding was established in 1972. The business grew and expanded to its current location on West Eighth Avenue. There, Thomas Hydraulics was established in 1974, and Thomas Manufacturing followed as its own entity in 1996. Tom took on many projects for the community and spent many years mentoring, innovating and developing agriculture equipment. He was a true engineer, builder and teacher, and never hesitated to lend his time and knowledge. Tom truly loved the community of Chico. He was a long and faithful supporter of many community organizations, those closest to his heart being the Boys and Girls Club and the Salvation Army. He encouraged and supported welding and agriculture programs at local high schools, was a 35 year member of the Chico Rotary, and a member of the Chico Elks Lodge for the past 53 years. Over the years Tom enjoyed many trips with great friends, attending classic car, boat and air shows, and in recent years he looked forward to his weekly hotel coffee, lunch bunch and ‘tea at three.’ He loved spending time at Lake Almanor and hosting an annual 4th of July Celebration every year for 19 years. Every Sunday evening, you could find Tom taking his sweetheart Sue out to dinner at Basque Norte. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful memories with Tom and will miss him so dearly. Tom is preceded in death by his mother and father, his two baby children, and David Fleming, who was like a son to him. He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, brothers Doug and Joel Dauterman, sister Margie Baker, along with many loved nieces, nephews, extended family, and many cherished friends. Tom will be laid to rest at Glen Oaks Memorial Park in Chico on Monday, March 18th at 1:00pm. A celebration of life will follow at the Chico Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army, The Boys and Girls Club, or a favorite charity of your choosing.