Thomas N Williams
July 31, 1958 — April 26, 2021
The toughest man we know, Tom Williams, passed away on April 26, 2021. Tom was born on July 31, 1958, to Frank and Mariglee Williams in Carlisle, IA. Tom met the love of his life, Mary Jo (Foust) and they were married for 40 glorious years. They wed on October 24, 1980 and were truly “two of a kind working on a full house.” By 1987 they had five children Tommy, Danny, Jackie, John Paul (JP), and Annie.
In high school Tom began working at Danamere Nursey, owned by Bob and Ann Fleming. He furthered his passion for horticulture by obtaining a college degree and becoming an Iowa certified nurseryman. His career at Danamere continued for over 40 years where he was not only a valued employee, but a member of the family. During Tom’s lifetime he planted over 500k trees, shrubs, and seeds; most importantly, perennials for Mary Jo every year for their anniversary.
In addition to his work at Danamere, Tom also worked as a union stagehand. Over the years he assisted with thousands of concerts, Broadway shows, and other major events. His favorite part of both jobs was that he was able to work side-by-side with his best friend and love of his life, Mary Jo.
Later in life Tom worked at the airport where he enjoyed working with a vast variety of people, each of which made an impact on his life.
Outside of work, Tom officiated high school wrestling for over 37 years which included: 35 sectional and district tournaments, and 11 state tournaments. The highlight of his career was officiating with his son, JP, at his last state tournament.
Tom’s love for sprint car racing was apparent and his favorite part was enjoying the races with his family. He spent 25 years as a push-truck driver at Knoxville, where he rarely missed a night and built lasting friendships with many people across the world.
Tom was also an avid and respected rock hunter who consulted for state and local archeologists on numerous occasions, and was published in several magazines and books.
Tom’s biggest accomplishment and ultimately his legacy is not a job or hobby, but his relationship with his love and the life they built raising spectacular human beings.
Waiting for Tom in heaven were, Frank Williams (father), Lloyd & Pat Foust (in-laws), Luke Palor (nephew), Katie Elliot (niece), Mike Warner (cousin), Ann & Bob Fleming, and many other family members and friends.
Left to share his legacy is Mary Jo (wife); his five children, Tommy (Ashley) Williams, Danny (Tara) Williams, Jackie (Josh) Padellford, John Paul (Blake) Williams, and Annie (Andrew) Hockins.; his grandchildren, Dominic, Riley, Carson, Charlee, Grace, Grant, Carolina, Hank, Knox, Mia Jo, Abe, Reggie, and Ryan; his mother Mariglee; siblings, John (DeAnna) Williams, Frank (Shirley) Williams, Amy (Randy) McKern; in-laws, Greg (Crystal) Foust, Jeff (Marilyn) Foust, Kathi (Denny) Davis, Kim (Dave) Whitney, Carol (Bobby) Elliott, and many nieces and nephews.
Thank you to Dr. Dan Buroker, Patty, Amy, and his entire team on Powell 3 for the compassion, loving care and attention you provided. Also, large gratitude to Amy McGraw, NP, for the impact you made on Tom’s life and the impacts you continue to make on other families in similar circumstances.
The biggest Thank YOU to Mary Jo. While this cancer did not define Tom, your dedication and care of him truly defines what love is. May we all be blessed to have a partner as devoted as you. You’ve done a great job, we appreciate you, and we love you.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a tree be planted in Tom's honor or that you spend time making a child's life better.
The family requests masks be wore for the safety of everyone in attendance.
In high school Tom began working at Danamere Nursey, owned by Bob and Ann Fleming. He furthered his passion for horticulture by obtaining a college degree and becoming an Iowa certified nurseryman. His career at Danamere continued for over 40 years where he was not only a valued employee, but a member of the family. During Tom’s lifetime he planted over 500k trees, shrubs, and seeds; most importantly, perennials for Mary Jo every year for their anniversary.
In addition to his work at Danamere, Tom also worked as a union stagehand. Over the years he assisted with thousands of concerts, Broadway shows, and other major events. His favorite part of both jobs was that he was able to work side-by-side with his best friend and love of his life, Mary Jo.
Later in life Tom worked at the airport where he enjoyed working with a vast variety of people, each of which made an impact on his life.
Outside of work, Tom officiated high school wrestling for over 37 years which included: 35 sectional and district tournaments, and 11 state tournaments. The highlight of his career was officiating with his son, JP, at his last state tournament.
Tom’s love for sprint car racing was apparent and his favorite part was enjoying the races with his family. He spent 25 years as a push-truck driver at Knoxville, where he rarely missed a night and built lasting friendships with many people across the world.
Tom was also an avid and respected rock hunter who consulted for state and local archeologists on numerous occasions, and was published in several magazines and books.
Tom’s biggest accomplishment and ultimately his legacy is not a job or hobby, but his relationship with his love and the life they built raising spectacular human beings.
Waiting for Tom in heaven were, Frank Williams (father), Lloyd & Pat Foust (in-laws), Luke Palor (nephew), Katie Elliot (niece), Mike Warner (cousin), Ann & Bob Fleming, and many other family members and friends.
Left to share his legacy is Mary Jo (wife); his five children, Tommy (Ashley) Williams, Danny (Tara) Williams, Jackie (Josh) Padellford, John Paul (Blake) Williams, and Annie (Andrew) Hockins.; his grandchildren, Dominic, Riley, Carson, Charlee, Grace, Grant, Carolina, Hank, Knox, Mia Jo, Abe, Reggie, and Ryan; his mother Mariglee; siblings, John (DeAnna) Williams, Frank (Shirley) Williams, Amy (Randy) McKern; in-laws, Greg (Crystal) Foust, Jeff (Marilyn) Foust, Kathi (Denny) Davis, Kim (Dave) Whitney, Carol (Bobby) Elliott, and many nieces and nephews.
Thank you to Dr. Dan Buroker, Patty, Amy, and his entire team on Powell 3 for the compassion, loving care and attention you provided. Also, large gratitude to Amy McGraw, NP, for the impact you made on Tom’s life and the impacts you continue to make on other families in similar circumstances.
The biggest Thank YOU to Mary Jo. While this cancer did not define Tom, your dedication and care of him truly defines what love is. May we all be blessed to have a partner as devoted as you. You’ve done a great job, we appreciate you, and we love you.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a tree be planted in Tom's honor or that you spend time making a child's life better.
The family requests masks be wore for the safety of everyone in attendance.
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