Tommy Charles THOMAS

THOMAS, SANDBURG, WRIGHT, TREPP

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 11/6/2014 at 16:21:29

August 18, 1929 --- November 4, 2014

Tommy (T.C.) Charles Thomas, 85, formerly of Eagle Grove, Iowa, now from Johnston, Iowa, died on November 4, 2014 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. He was born on August 18, 1929 to Eda Marie Sandburg and Clyde Edward Thomas in Lincoln, Nebraska. He graduated from Guttenberg High School participating in athletics and music. He received a 1 rating as trumpet soloist at the National Music Contest in St. Joseph Missouri. He went on to receive his Bachelor's Degree in music education at Drake University in 1951. Following graduation, he spent 2 years in the U.S. Army, stationed in the Korean Combat Zone. In 1954 he received his Masters in Music Education Degree from Drake University.

He married Sally Ann Wright in 1954 and they were married for 60 years. They have two children, Terri Trepp (Marty) and Tom Thomas (Julie). He also has five grandchildren: Tyler Trepp, Meghan Trepp, Michael Thomas, Lauren Thomas and Elizabeth Thomas, all whom survive him.

T.C. was the high school band director in Eagle Grove for 30 years. He also taught general music at Iowa Central Community College for 7 years. Under his direction, his bands won many local, area and national competitions. He was nominated for "Iowa Teacher of the Year" in 1986. He influenced the lives of so many students who fondly remember him as their favorite teacher and band director. He retired from teaching in 1988, spending 6 months of the year in Mesa, Arizona. After living in Eagle Grove for 53 years they moved to Johnston, Iowa three years ago to be near family. T.C. was a professional trumpet player for all his adult life. He directed and played in his own dance band and performed for over 40 years in many venues in Iowa and Arizona. He played "taps" for the Eagle Grove American Legion at all military funerals for over 40 years.

He adored his kids and grandkids, especially enjoying the years the family gathered at Lake Cornelia, Iowa for games, fishing and boating. His hobbies included bridge, golf, hunting, fishing, reading, cribbage and crossword puzzles. He was a lifelong San Francisco Giants and Nebraska Cornhusker fan.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 7, 2014 with a memorial service following at 11:00 a.m. at the Iles Dunn's Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Eagle Grove United Methodist Church, John Stoddard Cancer Center, and the American Cancer Society.

Des Moines Register -- Iowa
November 6, 2014