DeVRIES. Tom M. 1955-2019

DEVRIES, BULS, KEITH, KINKADE, CORWIN

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 1/22/2019 at 13:42:06

Tom M. “Big Tom” DeVries

Tom M. DeVries “Big Tom” was born on December 5, 1955, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Ben and Esther (Buls) DeVries. He was raised on a farm West of Traer, graduating with the North Tama High School Class of 1974. Tom attended Luther College in Decorah. He traveled coast to coast with a couple of bands, including Falcon Eddy, setting up, running lights and even doing some singing. Tom was a Ford mechanic for many years. He was a manager at All-State Rental, Best Rental, Brown Leasing, and most recently the Fleet Manager at Fahr Beverage. Tom was also a well-known bouncer at Casey’s 218 Pub University.

He met Shelly Keith in 1989 and united in marriage on August 27, 1994. They had two children, Ben and Kaetlyn DeVries. Tom also had another daughter from a previous marriage, Melanie DeVries. He had two godchildren: Tammy Kinkade Morrison and Chris Webb.

Tom loved motorcycles – especially Harley Davidsons, boating, and beautiful sunsets. Most of all, he loved being with his wife, kids, and dogs: Buck, Sadie, Tucker, Diesel, and Chance. Tom also enjoyed spending time with extended family and friends. He was a big guy with an even bigger heart: a giant in many ways.

Tom passed away at his home unexpectedly on Thursday, January 17, 2019, at the age of 63 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ben DeVries, Jr; his nephew, Dustin Kinkade; and his infant niece, Laura Lee Corwin.

Tom is survived by his wife, Shelly; two daughters, Melanie DeVries and Kaetlyn DeVries both of Waterloo; his son, Ben DeVries of Waterloo; two brothers, Roger (Gladys) DeVries of Hudson and Mike (Mary) DeVries of Warrensburg, MO; two sisters, Joan Bradley of Dinsdale and Jean (Dallas) Immel of Pennsylvania; and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to his family who will designate charities at a later date.

-----------------------------------------------

Funeral Service:
Friday, January 25, 2019 at 6:00 pm
Parrott & Wood Chapel of Memories
Waterloo, Iowa

Reception:
Casey’s 218 Pub
4014 University Avenue
Waterloo, Iowa

SOURCE: Parrott & Wood Funeral Service