WARD, Tom 1929 - 2015
WARD, WINGATE, WISE, EHLER, STRICKLIN, PARTON, BEERS
Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 10/4/2015 at 18:48:01
"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Page 6Tom WARD
Beloved Fairfield native, Tom WARD, 86, died Monday, September 14, 2015, at his home in Mesa, Arizona, losing a well-fought battle with cancer. He died in the home he loved, surrounded by his family, favorite songs and the telling of multitudes of "Tom" stories.
Tom was born on April 26, 1929, in Fairfield to Orin and Beatrice WARD. He graduated from Fairfield High School in 1947 and attended Parsons College until 1951. At age 16, Tom was recruited to take up the bass drum in the high school band, under the tutelage of band director Dillon Lowell. Thus began a part of his life that not only brought him much joy and lifelong friendships, but developed an acute sense of community pride and a future in public service. In 1946, Mr. Lowell encouraged Tom and several other members of the high school band to join the Iowa State Guard, which later became the 34th Division Army National Guard band. Tom remained in the band through 1957, performing in many Friday and Saturday night concerts on the bandstand in Fairfield's town square, all under the direction of bandmaster Lowell.
Drumming was not Tom's only artistic talent, for he was a prolific thespian in high school, college and post college plays. In addition, he was revered for his ever-present sense of humor and numerous poems written about growing up in Fairfield during the depression. Tom's spontaneity and indelible memory made him a perennial favorite as a Master of Ceremonies for many local events, most notably his high school reunions.
Tom married Dorothy WINGATE of Libertyville on Easter Sunday 1952, and they became the proud parents of three children. The couple's entrepreneurial spirit and achievements were well known in Fairfield, as both were business owners at various times over the years. In addition, Tom was a top-selling agent for Banker's Life Insurance Company, an account executive and announcer for KBIZ/KTVO in Ottumwa, and top sales rep for Sherwin-Williams' SE Iowa region. As his family grew, he coached his son's little league team, the Cable-Gobble Eagles, for four years, and also served on both Fairfield's Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council. Tom opened his own paint and decorating business, Paintin' Place, in 1969.
The WARDs relocated to Mesa, Arizona in 1974, where Tom managed the Pervo-Colorama Paint store until 1989, when he opened his own store, Hometown Paint & Supply, operating that business until his retirement a few years later. Tom and Dorothy lived life to the fullest in their desert oasis, enjoying many visits from family and friends escaping snowy winters, and welcoming in-laws and grandchildren as their family expanded.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Orin and Beatrice WARD, beloved aunt and uncle, Jesse C. and Nora WISE, his first wife Dorothy WINGATE WARD, and stepson Rick EHLER.
He is survived by second wife, Dorothy EHLER WARD of Mesa, AZ; sister Marilyn WARD of Fairfield; his children, Jeff (Judi) WARD, Wendy (Phill) STRICKLIN and Nicki PARTON, all of Mesa, Arizona; stepchildren Cyndie (Byron) BEERS, Mitch (Carly) EHLER and step-daughter-in-law Sue EHLER, all from the Mesa area; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, twelve step-great-grandchildren and one step-great-great-granddaughter. He often stated how blessed he was to have the love of two Dorothys in one lifetime!
Tom's ashes will be scattered over Red Mountain in Mesa, where Dorothy's have been since 1989, followed by a small, private celebration of life. His children welcome any and all "Tom" stories from those who knew him, so they can be shared at this gathering. Please send cards and/or letters to: Wendy STRICKLIN, 1825 N. Stapley Drive, Unit #1085, Mesa, AZ 85203.
The children request that donations in his name be directed to the Fairfield Band Aides, P.O. Box 775, Fairfield, Iowa, 52556, which provides direct support to the Fairfield High School Band.
In closing, we leave you with one of Tom's favorite lines: "I brought you here to have a good time, now have it!"
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*Copied with permission from The Fairfield Ledger, Inc. This material may NOT be copied and re-posted in any public venue such as Ancestry or Find A Grave without permission from The Fairfield Ledger ~ copyright restrictions apply.
*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.
Jefferson Obituaries maintained by Joey Stark.
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