Thomas Songer 1938~2008

SONGER, SWOPE, ABEL

Posted By: Mary (email)
Date: 8/7/2008 at 13:09:10

Courtesy of the Ottumwa Courier

OTTUMWA — Thomas W. “Butch” Songer, 70, of 1140 Burns, died at 12:37 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008, at his home.He was born June 15, 1938 in Milan, Ill. to Thomas Joel and Lydia Ann Swope Songer.

He married Judy Abel Jan. 9, 1965 in Lincoln, Neb.He served with the U.S. Marine Corps and had worked for the Ottumwa Public School District.

Butch enjoyed being outside in his yard with his grandchildren.Surviving is his wife, Judy; a son, Thomas John (Brenda) Songer of Campbellsville, Ky.; a daughter, Kelly Sue Rhodes of Des Moines; seven grandchildren, Mitchell Songer, Thomas “T.C.” Songer, Brittany Songer, McKnzy Dixon, Daniel Rhodes, Dustin Rhodes and Shelby Rhodes; four sisters, Anita Denniston, Marita Weilbrenner, Cathy Weilbrenner all of Ottumwa, Connie Orona of Carlisle; two brothers, Donald Songer of Arizona and Michael Songer of Ottumwa.

He was preceded in death by a son, Michael Scott Songer; and a brother, Robert Breckenridge.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Reece Funeral Home with Rev. Sue Babovec officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery with military services conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.Visitation will begin at noon Thursday with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.Memorials may be made to the family or to Hospice, 312 E. Alta Vista, Ottumwa, Iowa 52501.