Thomas Neenan Sr.

1923 - 2015

Thomas Neenan Sr.

Center Point

Thomas Francis Neenan died on September 8, 2015, at home at the age of 92 after a brief bout with bone cancer. Tom maintained his zest for living until the end, directing his five children in the continuation of the work of his lifetime. Dedicated to creating lasting public projects, Tom served as mayor of Center Point during which he established a library, brought city-wide water and sewer and paved many streets. Tom received the highest honors for his work in the Boy Scouts of America including the Silver Beaver Award. For many years, Tom led Troop 58 in Center Point and was active in the Boy Scout Camp Waubeek.

Most dear to his heart was Tom's work on trails in the state of Iowa and across the United States. Determined to take advantage of the National Trails System Act of 1968, Tom worked diligently and fearlessly to create a lasting legacy of beautiful trails across the great state of Iowa. Under the non-profit Iowa Trails Council, Tom made the first application for acquisition of an abandoned rail bed and continued to negotiate, acquire and establish trails for many years. For his work, Tom received many accolades including the Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award for "outstanding service to Iowa", the American Trails Award of Excellence, the American Hiking Society's Kern Award for outstanding volunteer work and was entered into the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame in 1996.

Tom leaves to cherish his memory son Tom (TJ) and his wife Diana of Center Point, and daughters Nancy Michaels and partner Tony Hamline of St. Paul, Minnesota, Pam and husband Ken Rosmann of Freeport, Illinois, Kate and husband Marc Waitek of Osage, and Molly Neenan and husband Gary Jorgenson, Center Point. Tom was also blessed with seven grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.

Tom married Eileen Vala in 1951, and enjoyed 54 years with this very special woman. After Eileen's death, Tom reacquainted himself with his high school sweetheart and married Rita Pappenfus in 2009. Rita passed away in June 2014.

True to his wish to make the world a better place, Tom donated his body to the University of Iowa for scientific study. In lieu of flowers, the family hopes that you will think of Tom and find one hour of time to give to your community. Family and friends will gather to remember Tom from 5-7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 18th, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 808 Main Street, Center Point, Iowa. A celebration mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 19th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Walker, Iowa.

Please share your support and memories with Tom's family on his tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.