Thomas Earl Broadstock, 74, of Reedsville, was called home to patrol the streets of heaven on October 22, 2018. He was born on October 2, 1944, in Cumberland, Md. to the late Virginia Chambers and moved to Independence in 1958.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. An avid bowler before his illness, even teaching bowling to young children while living in Grafton. He loved playing golf, and watching his team, the Florida Seminoles, whether it was football or basketball.
He attended and played basketball at Newburg High School. After graduating he enlisted in the US Navy. He was stationed at the naval base in Norfolk, Va. as a radio-teletype specialist. After leaving the navy he was a dispatcher in Shinnston for the West Virginia State Police, it was during this time, 1967, when he assisted in the search and recovery of victims of the Point Pleasant bridge collapse. In 1969, he attended the West Virginia State Police Academy where he graduated and began his 39 year career in law enforcement, starting as a part time deputy and dispatcher for the Taylor County Sheriff’s department until he joined the city of Grafton police department as a patrolman working his way up through the ranks and retiring as chief of police.
He was awarded the “Bravery Beyond the Call of Duty”, in 1990, by the city of Grafton. He returned to the Taylor County Sheriff’s department, as a correctional officer then as a deputy. He moved to Reedsville in 1995, and was employed by both the Reedsville and Masontown police departments. Then joined the Kingwood City police department in September 1995, until he retired for a second and final time. He was a member of the FOP Lodge 116.
He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Vanette Broadstock; his children, Joshua Broadstock and Kristen, Samantha Saunders and John, all of Clarksburg; and stepsons, Robert Danser and Jason Erbe, both of Reedsville; grandchildren, Lukah Saunders, Dominic and Jasmine Danser; his sister, Margaret Ann McMaster,s of Martinsburg; brothers, Johnny Chambers and Patty, David Chambers and Linda, James Chambers and Sandy, and William Chambers and Janet.
He was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Allen (JR) McMasters and Robert “Boat” Shaffer; his sister-in-law, Michelle Chambers; his father-in-law, Everett “Joby” Danser and grandson, Trey Scott Danser.
Following his wishes Thomas was cremated. Graveside Inurnment Services will be at the WV National Cemetery, in Grafton, at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 29, with Lt. Thomas Mitter officiating. Full Military Honors will be accorded by the US Navy Honor Detail; VFWs of Preston and Taylor Counties; and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 977.
In lieu of flowers donations to the funeral home to help with medical and funeral expenses would be appreciated. A special thanks to WV Caring hospice service for their love and help.
Morgan funeral home is honored to serve the Broadstock family.
Condolences: morganfuneralhomewv.com.
