Tom Tonga

Tom Tu�italau Tonga, 63, of Independence, MO passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at the Medical Center of Independence. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 20 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Independence Stake Center; 705 W. Walnut, Independence, MO with burial at Brooking Cemetery, Raytown, MO. The visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5 to 9:30 at the Independence Stake Center. Tom was born on June 14, 1940 in Neiafu, Vava�u, Tonga to Salesi and Meleane Tohu�ia Tomasi-Tonga. He came to America in 1957 to further his education and gain a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Engineering from BYU Provo, UT. Tom was a very faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He had a passion for electronics, poetry, reading, genealogy, missionary service, gardening and music. He was an accomplished professional musician and entertainer. He was known for his melodic style of playing the Hawaiian Steel Guitar. Tom was preceded in death by two sisters, Siutiti Silika and Loleini; and one brother, Uimaifea. He is survived by his wife, Latai Finehika; two daughters, Maryann Silika Faitau and Lata�imisuli; five sons, Charles T., Henry K., David T., Vaitafemou�I F., Spetlar U.; three brothers, Nifai, Joseph HengaHenga and Paul M.; two sisters, Seini Vanisi and Aifa�I Vaka; and twenty grandchildren.