Thomas Robert Arpy Sr.

Thomas Robert Arpy, Sr. 87, of Pleasant Hill, passed away on October 5, 2022, in the home he grew up and raised his family in, the home built by his father.
Thomas was born to Ferd C. Arpy and Ida Leora (Smith) Arpy on Dec 21, 1934 in Des Moines, Iowa. After graduating from East Des Moines High School in 1953, he married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Scovel on May 13, 1954 and they began their 68 year marriage together, a life and marriage that was truly inspirational to their family and friends. Tom and Shirley began their life together living in Pleasant Hill on Tom's parents' land. Their family soon grew with the birth of their first daughter, Jeri Ann, who they lost just 18 months later. Soon after, they would bring a son, Thomas, Jr. into their home, and after moving to Des. Moines, two more daughters, Susan and Rhonda would bless their union. In 1967, the family moved to Pleasant Hill to live in Tom's childhood home. Tom was a wonderful father who worked hard to support his family. After working at Penn Dixie as a machinist for 10 years and then Armstrong as a millwright for 30 years, he was able to retire and spend more time doing the things he enjoyed most. Thomas loved nature, a passion that could be seen in his beautiful garden and plants. He was an avid reader and could find joy in both fiction and non-fiction literature. Tom could be frequently found in his basement workshop doing metal and wood working. He was a wonderful cook, and took pride in preparing meals for his family. He not only loved and cherished his children, but also deeply cared for his pets and various wildlife throughout the years.
Thomas was proceeded in death by his parents, Ferd and Ida Leora Arpy; step mother, Glenore (Ewald) Arpy; brother, James (Jim) Arpy; daughter, Jeri Ann Arpy; and son in-law, Randy Good. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Shirley Arpy of Pleasant Hill; children, Thomas (Kathy) Arpy of Winterset, Susan Good of St. Charles, and Rhonda (Mark) Jacobson of St. Charles; grandchildren, Samuel Arpy (Lauren McCarthy), Joshua (Stephanie) Good, Danielle (Chad) Valentine, Daniel (Tammy) Jacobson, Jennifer (Justin) Conroy, Jessica (Mason) McCoy, Amanda (Andrew) Grutzmacher, and Katie Jacobson (Derek Hansen); 15 great grandchildren; brother, Donald (Don) Arpy of Indianola; stepbrother, Bobby Ewald; stepsister, MaryBeth Ewald; along with countless nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Thomas' family will hold a private memorial in his honor at a later date.