Tom married his loving wife of 37 years, Gloria J. (Nee-Boggs) on August 12, 1989 in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He was a devoted husband and dearly loved all of his family members. Tom loved people so much – just like his father, he didn’t know any strangers and was always willing to help others. Known for his kindness, sense of humor, and great integrity with a love of life positively impacting those around him. You could not miss Tom coming as he loved music. He was always singing out loud and happy everywhere he went.
Tom is survived by his wife Gloria, sister Susan (David) Marr of Olympia, Washington; brother, William (Laurie) Tufford of Nevada, Iowa; sister-in-law, Karen (Brad) Sarff of Loveland, Colorado; brothers-in-law, Steven Boggs and Allen Boggs both of Havana, IL. Also, several nieces and nephews; Amy (John) Shannon, Sara Marr, Erin (Charles) Stauter all from the Seattle, Washington area; Adam (Melissa) Tufford of Nebraska, Kristen Hurst of Iowa, Tim Tufford of Iowa, Jeremy (Tanya) Sarff, Nicole (Jeremy) Crandall, and Boggs; nephews, Christopher, Justin, and Colton (Erin) and all of their children.
He grew up in his hometown of Clinton, IA before attending and graduating from college at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church ELSA in Clinton, IA. In the early 90’s he took classes at the University of Wyoming receiving a Master's Degree in Public Administration. Before his illness he had planned on proceeding towards a Doctorate, as his instructors were encouraging.
Growing up Tom’s first job was with a landscaping company for several years he laid a lot of sod and he loved it. He had about a 30-year career in law enforcement. He began in Iowa with the Johnson County Sheriff Department. In the early 80’s he moved to Rock Springs, Wyoming, joining the Police Department until disability retirement in 1996.
The move to Illinois was decided best to be closer to family due to physical limitations. Tom had such a love for all his pets, cats, dogs, aquarium fish, finches and cockatiel. He was also interested in bird watching. His sport was playing golf in the past. But most of all anything IOWA HAWKEYES!
There will be private memorial celebrations in WA, IA, IL, CO, WY for family participation. Burial of ashes will be at a later date in Clinton Lawn Cemetery in Clinton, Iowa for his final resting place next to his parents and both grandfathers.
Tom will be dearly missed; he was just one heck of a decent man. Thanks to his many doctors, Gentiva Hospice and Fresenius Kidney Care of Canton. With special thanks going to nurses, aides, therapist, all employees of The Loft of Canton Rehabilitation and Nursing for such wonderful care and attention he received. And to our very special friend with the Loft, Teresa, you are one of a kind-thank you so much.
If you wish to make a memorial donation to honor Tom’s memory if he touched your heart. Make it your choice to help someone else. Like buy a dinner for an elderly neighbor, treat a stranger with a gift card from McDonald’s Dairy Queen, etc., take out someone’s trash, mow their yard, visit a nursing home or neighbor. Love thy neighbor.
Cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com
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