Thomas "Tom" Ward
July 23, 2013
Thomas Ward, 51, of Des Moines, IA, passed away July 23, 2013, at Taylor Hospice House from multiple cancers.
Tom was born July 12, 1962, in Des Moines, to Leo and Rita Ward.
He graduated Lincoln High School in 1980, and went on to graduate from the University of Northern Iowa in 1984. Tom worked at Amoco Motor Club and Yellow Freight Trucking Company, where when asked how he was doing that day, Tom would always reply, “Fine and dandy, like cotton candy.”
Tom was an avid fisherman, was a true rock n’ roll fan, attended more concerts than anyone can count, loved hanging back with his friends, enjoyed traveling, and Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday because it was just about being with family. He was a long-time member of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
He is survived by his father, Leo; brother, John (Susan) Ward; sisters, Cathy (Dave) Utterson, Carole George, Sarah (Jeff) Horn, and Amy (Michael) Blair. Tom is also survived by eight nephews, four nieces, and one great-niece.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Rita, and his dogs, Gus and Regs.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 26, 2013, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and the funeral is Saturday, July 27, at 10:00 a.m., both at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Melrose, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Mike Navin
09/15/2013
Words cannot express the sympathy I feel for the family, both immediate and extended, of Tom. Some of my favorite memories are of spending time on Pilmer Drive. I will definatly tip a beer in his honor.
Joy Nekvasil
07/25/2013
Amy, I am so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. I simply loved this guy. He would get me laughing so hard, and we both had tears running down our face. Just a great guy, I am so sorry and the next time I fish I will think of Tom. God be with you and your family during this time to give you comfort. Love, Joy
Lenne Orona
07/25/2013
I worked with Tom at Amoco and what I most remember is his smile and the twinkle in his eyes. And yes that expression "fine and dandy"
My condolences to his family.
Jana Winter
07/25/2013
So sorry to hear of your family's loss, Cathy and Dave! Sending thoughts, hugs and prayers. Peace...
John & Darlene Hannam O'Brien
07/24/2013
Leo & Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. You have our deepest sympathy. We will keep the family in our prayers.