Former Eastern coach passes

ROSLYN – Former Eastern Washington University assistant football coach Tom Missel, passed away Oct. 21, 2023, at his home.

He was 62.

A celebration of Missel's life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, in the Harold Weis Memorial Building, 300 W. Idaho Ave.

Born Dec. 12, 1960, in Aberdeen, Missel was a defensive coach for three seasons (2000-2002), including two as assistant head coach under Paul Wulff. Prior to that, he was at Western Washington for nine years (1991-1999).

As a position coach, Missel worked with the defensive line in 2000 and 2001 and the linebackers in 2002. In 2000, his defense ranked sixth nationally in NCAA Division I-AA.

Missel received a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration and economics at Western Washington University in 1983. He started and lettered two years in football for the Vikings earning Evergreen Conference honorable mention in 1981. He also earned letters at Montana State University and Spokane Falls CC.

Missel was preceded in death by his parents John and Rainey Missel. Among survivors are his wife Rhonda Holden, son Dane and brother Jim Missel, Cheney High School's former athletics director.

Memorial contributions in his honor are suggested to Kittitas Valley Healthcare Hospice, Hearts and Hands of Kittitas County or the Roslyn Eagles.