Thomas "Tom" Henry Beal

Thomas “Tom” Henry Beal, 76, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Saturday, June 14, 2025. The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Red Cedar Lodge, 1700 Big Bluestem Drive, Marion, Iowa.

Tom was born on June 10, 1949, in Dayton, Ohio, to James and Eleanor (Nelson) Beal. He served in the U.S. Navy in San Diego, California. On December 22, 1984, he married Janet Winner in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Tom owned and operated Gator Grind, his stump removal business. He was a former member of Marion American Legion Post 298. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, fishing, traveling, and had a deep love for animals. With a big personality and an unforgettable presence, he was known to many as “Gator.”

Survivors include his wife, Janet “Jan” Beal of Cedar Rapids; his children, Justin (Megan) Beal and Elyse (Robert) De Corah, all of Cedar Rapids; grandson, Henry De Corah; siblings, Cynthia Beal of Tennessee, Michael (Jackie) Beal of Georgia, Diane (Bill) Jullien of Tennessee, and Nancy (Tim) Gordon of Florida; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Samson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James J. Beal.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trees Forever or the Cedar Valley Humane Society.