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Thomas Thompson Obituary
West Des Moines
After touching the lives of many around him, Tom left this world peacefully on July 4, 2013. A Celebration of Tom's life will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at Lutheran Church of Hope with a private burial at Glendale Cemetery.
Born July 26, 1960 to Thomas and Rose Thompson, Tom grew up in Des Moines, IA. He attended Christ the King School and graduated from Dowling High School in 1979. He was a part of the 1979 Dowling boys' basketball team that won the state championship. Tom graduated from the University of Iowa in 1984 and became a lifelong Hawkeye fan.
Tom followed his passion for sales and became an amazing salesman, starting his own sales agency in 1993. He loved traveling his territory, making sales, and building great relationships with his customers and friends.
Tom married the love of his life, Lesly, in October 1988. Tom and Lesly were blessed with four beautiful daughters: Allison, Tara, Brenna, and Tessa. He loved taking care of his "girls!" which was only magnified by the arrival of his beautiful granddaughter, Olivia, one year ago.
Tom was so passionate about life and his faith. His positive outlook was an inspiration to all who knew him and loved him.
He is survived by his mother, Rose; his sisters, Mary Thompson and Tammy (Robert) Andrada; wife, Lesly; daughters, Allison, Tara, Brenna, and Tessa; granddaughter, Olivia; son-in-law, Rafael Luna; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas, and grandson, Rafael Luna III.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Christ the King Catholic Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the St. Jude Cancer Hospital.
We want to thank all family and friends for the loving support we have been given throughout this very tough road. Tom was a great son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is one of a kind and can never be replaced in our hearts. Thankfully we get to hold onto the promise that "In Christ there are no goodbyes"!
Online condolences will be welcomed at www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Thompson
Scott Strunc
July 1, 2014
Lesly, I keep waiting for Tom to come into my office for one of our 4 hour visits and a 15 minute buying spree at the end of our visit. I'm sure that this will be a difficult week with the one year anniversary passing of Tom. We miss you old friend.
August 1, 2013
lesly and girls, I was out of town when I heard the news of Tom's passing. Lesly, I am so sorry Tom was a good person and even though I had not seen him since our Christ the King days I am so very sad for your loss.
May he play a great game of BB in heaven.
God bless you and your family.
Milton Anania & family
Kevin and Veronica Clark
July 11, 2013
Lesly, we send our deepest sympathy. I know Tom had many admiring friends, and I am proud to have been one of them. May the love of family and friends comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.
Lee Ann Eisenreich (Shumway)
July 10, 2013
Lesly, I just found out this afternoon. I had no idea. I am so sorry and certainly you and the girls will be in my prayers. It seems like yesterday I saw him at the gym. I still remember when you first moved to the neighborhood and meeting you at the park and we talked. Although I am far away now, my heart just goes out to you. Tom was always the nicest man and wonderful spending his time coaching the girls in grade school BB. I am sorry I wasn't able to be at the service. Love to you and the girls!
Fr. Mike Hess
July 10, 2013
Leslie and kids,
Sorry that I was out of town and unable to attend the visitation or service. I will remember you in my prayers and ask The Lord to give you comfort in your loss.
Fr. Mike Hess
Randy Guzman
July 10, 2013
My condolences to the entire Thompson family, especially Lesly and his girls. Tom, all of the fellas will miss you from Sunday pick-up ball. Especially those of us who got together annually for the Final Four Championship Game. Those were great times and great laughs! Didn't do it this year because you couldn't be there. I am sure you are with God and God is embracing your family. RIP Tom.
Louise Ellsworth
July 10, 2013
So sorry for your loss. I knew Tom and his sister as a neighborhood friends on the south side of Des Moines, my prayers are with you all
Patrice Hoerster
July 10, 2013
Although our high school years are long past, It sounds like you built a legacy to pass on through generations. I'm sure you've already heard: "Well done, good and faithful servant." Blessings and prayers to your family at this time.
Craig Hatler
July 10, 2013
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Tom was a true gentleman in all aspects. My deepest sympathy goes to the entire family and you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
July 9, 2013
I have owned Husker Hounds since 1995. I have been doing business with Tom since we both started our businesses. Tom and I would talk sports and family for 99% of our meetings. I loved Tom. He loved his family first and foremost. He loved his Hawkeyes. But most of all, Tom loved life. He had a passion for life that I hope to keep burning in my life. I'm going to miss you, Tom. You were my buddy. Save us all a seat in Heaven.
John Cacciatore - DHS Class of '79
July 9, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was a very good guy - conscientious, considerate of others and always fun to be around. He will be missed.
Tony & Misty Munoz
July 9, 2013
Prayers are with you
Todd Guessford
July 9, 2013
We have lost a great man. Tom and I go way back. We have been good friends for 40+ plus years. We played ball together and coached together. My daughter was lucky enough to have him as a basketball coach. One of the most positive men I have ever known. I loved him like a brother and he was there for me when my brother passed a few years ago. I will miss you terribly.
Cheyenne Hemphill - Husker Headquarters
July 9, 2013
I had the opportunity of working with Tom for many years and it was always a pleasure to do business with him. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this most difficult time.
July 9, 2013
This is an unspeakable loss for me and my family. Tom and I have been good friends for 40+ years. We played ball together and coached together. My daughter Rachel was very lucky to have him as a basketball coach. He was there for me when my brother Tom passed away. I love Tom Thompson and will miss him terribly. We have lost a great man. One of the most positive people I have ever known is now gone. We should all try to follow his example. That would be a great legacy.
Much love from the Guessford Family
July 9, 2013
We will miss you Tom, You were a great sales rep. Team Proimage
Kim Masek
July 9, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss! Tom was such an inspiration to me and those he came in contact with. He will be missed terribly.
Kim Masek-Scheels
July 9, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family! Tom was such an inspiration and joy to work with. Tom was very passionate about his job. He loved his family so much and it was always nice to hear him talk about his wife and daughters. When he would come to visit Lincoln Scheels we always had fun talking about sports, especially Iowa-Nebraska football. Tom will be missed very much and it was an honor and a joy to work with him for the past 10+ years. RIP Tom!
Sherry and Jim Pede
July 9, 2013
Tom touched all of us who were blessed to have had him in our lives. Condolences to Leslie and girls. He was a good husband, father, and friend. He will be missed...
Sarah Nichols
July 8, 2013
I didn't know Tom directly but I worked with his daughter Tara for over a year. She and I became very close and I know how much she and her sisters loved their father. My thoughts are with them all.
Lisa Ocken Mentzer
July 8, 2013
I was lucky enough to know Tom from Dowling and always had the highest respect for him, he was truly a great guy. Ran in to him and Lesly at the Iowa State Fair last summer and was so glad I had a chance to talk with him again. He was so proud of his family and all the blessings in his life. The world lost a good man. Prayers to all of his family. He will be missed.
Jim Crosby
July 8, 2013
Had the pleasure of knowing Tom since he started his sales agency. We worked many showings together and I was always impressed with his passion for his companies, his family, friends and his Faith.He was a great friend and person. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this terribly tough time.
Wally Gullick
July 8, 2013
Hired as a sales rep, but valued even more as a friend. I will miss him.
Brian Fort Family
July 8, 2013
Our condolences to the entire Thompson family. Knew Tom through his sister Mary and the softball folks. A very good man - gone too soon. May God's enduring love bring strength and provide comfort at this difficult time.
Andi Hemann
July 8, 2013
It's been a long time since the days of Christ the King and Dowling when Tommy used to shoot hoops next door with Sam and Bob. I'm saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family. May the memories stay with you always.
Matthew Drey
July 8, 2013
Tom was my basketball coach at Christ the King in 7th and 8th grade. Not only did he teach us the fundamentals of basketball, but through his actions demonstrated how to be a good husband, loving father and great role model. His passion for life and for the team was visible in every interaction. Thank you Tom for being a great teacher. I hope I can serve your memory through my own actions. B.E.E.F. (Balance, Eyes, Elbow, Follow-through).
Deb Monty Wambold
July 8, 2013
Condolences to the Thompson family. Tom was a wonderful man brought into our lives when he married my dear friend Lesly. May God hold you all in his hands in this time of sorrow, may he also help in keeping your memories alive. Tom is joined with loved ones in God's kingdom and may you find peace in knowing he will always be with you. God bless
Jim Baker
July 8, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to Tom's family. I had the pleasure of working with Tom at Bremers Clothing in Iowa City. What a great guy! We stayed in touch with him catching me up on "his girls". He was over the top proud of all of you! A wonderful man with a great smile and a huge heart full of love. Peace and God's blessings to you all. Respectfully, Jim Baker
Pamela Schmidt
July 8, 2013
So sorry to hear about Tom, My condolences go out to you all! He will live on forever in your hearts!
jim sinclair
July 8, 2013
Many prayers go out to the Thompson family. I was a teammate of Tommy's at Fort Des Moines Senior League. I really enjoyed his easy going outlook on life. Some of my fondest memories are of being a Met and that would include Tommy. God Bless those who live on with the memories!
Joe Katich
July 7, 2013
We have been fortunate to know Tom and his family for over 45 years. The memories and stories are too numerous to tell. Suffice to say we looked at Tom like a brother. He was loyal, funny and family meant everything to him. The Thompson family has been in our prayers for months and will continue to be. We love you Tom. God Bless.
July 7, 2013
Tom was a great coach ,loved and respected by all. He filled many lives with enthusiasm for basketball and respect of young girls talents. Our love and sympathy to all. Steve,Bonnie and Kayla Moravec (West Des Moines)
Carolyn Kehret
July 7, 2013
Dear Rose & family,
I was saddened to hear of your loss.Holding you in my heart and hugging you in my prayers.
Former Asgrow coworker
Debbie Prewitt
July 7, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you all, I am very sorry for your loss. Although I never had the opportunity to meet Tom in person, I talked to him on the phone numerous times he became was a valued friend. His strength of spirit and his faith truly inspired me. I will miss him. God bless his family. I pray for their peace.
Mary McGinn
July 7, 2013
Truly one of the best men I've been blessed to call a friend. My heart goes out to Lesly and the girls...may the wonderful memories give you peace and strength in the days to come. God Speed to Tom. Until we meet again.
July 7, 2013
Lesly and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Every conversation I ever had with Tom was filled with smiles and laughter. He will be missed.
Ron & Diane Miller
Carrie Dixon
July 7, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to the Thompson family.
Mary Jasinski Fields
July 7, 2013
Bye Tom see you again one day and then we can resume our ISU vs U of I battle ... I am glad that Tom's family will be able take comfort in all of the wonderful memories they share and the knowledge of how much Tom loved them and that he will be keeping a protective eye on them ....
July 7, 2013
Dear Rose & Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Tom's loss. We think of you and Asgrow days often, and our hearts and prayers are with you.
Hal & Mona Holmstrom
Carmen Murillo
July 7, 2013
I was very sad to learn of Tom"s passing. My thoughts and prayers go to the Thompson family. Tom was a true Christian.
Michele Carter
July 7, 2013
A life that touches others goes on forever... Sending out much Love and healing thoughts to Lesly & the girls. Tom will always be beside you, in your hearts & memories. He will be remembered well, by myself and so many... Sunlight & Gentle Nights, Michele
Marta Bruno
July 7, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during difficult time. Jim and Marta Bruno
Don and Joanna Leonard
July 6, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. We knew Tom thru Antigua and the sales agent business he loved. He will be missed.
Deena Chiesa -Murphy
July 6, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom and his family!!!!
Duke McCargar
July 6, 2013
So sorry to hear about the passing of Tommy it's hard to believe. I will be praying for the entire family. Tommy is in heaven probably playing a pick-up game of b-ball. God Bless!
Frank and Liz Tasler
July 6, 2013
Our condolences to the Thompson family. We are so saddened by your loss. He was a wonderful cousin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Joe and Therese Fleming
July 6, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
July 6, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
July 6, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with Lesly and the girls. I am deeply saddened by the passing of such a fine man.
Scott Schecher (West Des Moines, Iowa)
Tim Swift
July 6, 2013
Really difficult and hard to understand that Tom isn't with us any longer. One of the greatest guys ever who always went out of his way to bring people together. I will miss you my friend. Rest in peace.
Diane Breckenridge
July 6, 2013
My heart aches for your loss. Your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Bless you.
Jim Carson
July 6, 2013
I knew Tommy for many years and never knew him not to have a smile on his face. He was a great guy and wonderful to be around. God bless him and the entire family. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Moorehead
July 6, 2013
I was truly saddened by the loss of Tom.My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Tom Moorehead
July 6, 2013
I was truly saddened by the loss of Tom.My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
July 6, 2013
My deepest condolences to Lesly and the girls. Tom would never hide his light under a bushel basket, I am sure his light still shines bright in Heaven. He truly lived and showed Christ to others. My prayers are also with the whole Thompson Family.
James Blackford
Tracy Mcgreevy (Cross)
July 6, 2013
Our condolences to the whole Thompson family for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Rose, Mary and Tammy and the rest of the family keep the faith and know you have a special angel watching over you and your families.
Brooke Frana
July 5, 2013
I would like to send my condolences to the Thompson family. Tom sounded like a wonderful husband and father. Tara I remember when we use to work together you spoke of your dad he seemed loving and caring he was do proud of you. A father is a beautiful gift. He will forever live in your hearts and the memories a lifetime. You have my deepest symphony. Tara you and your family are in my prayers. God will take care of him.
Cammie Hall
July 5, 2013
My condolences to the whole Thompson family. Even though I only met Tom a handful of times, I believe he was an amazing man with an amazing family. My love and prayers to you all.
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McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
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