Tom Vail
August 18, 2011
Thomas Ray Vail, 64, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Thursday, August 18, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Tom was born February 17, 1947 in Des Moines, the son of Henry and Virginia (Roberts) Vail. He was the Owner of Advance Floor Covering.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Linda Vail; sons, Tommy (Christy) Vail and Tim (Kathy) Vail; daughter, Michelle (Gus) Childs; grandchildren, Tyler, Kelsey, Zoey, Macy, Brody, Gus, Maddy, Thomas and Joey; brother, Bill Vail; other loving relatives and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, August 21, 2011 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, August 22, 2011 at the funeral home with burial to follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the American Cancer Society in loving memory of Tom. Tom’s family would like to thank all of their family and friends for the outpouring of generosity and warm thoughts throughout this most difficult time, and especially thank Dr. Dan Buroker, Dr. Robert Shreck, Dr. Robert Goebel and the nursing staff at Mercy Medical Center and Iowa Methodist for their excellent care….it is truly appreciated more than you will ever know
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Shannon Carlson
08/22/2011
My heart goes out to you, Vails.
Tim, I just wanted you to know that I know what it's like to lose a parent way to soon. No matter how much time passes since we've seen each other, please know that I love ya and am keeping you in my thoughts at this tough time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you, even if it's just a shoulder to cry on. I wish there was a magic cure for sadness, however the closest thing is time. Your dad will be missed by many but remember the happy, funloving times you shared with him. He will forever be in your heart.
Hang in there....
Shan
Lori, Ed, & Eddie Perryman
08/22/2011
Tommy and Family
We are so sorry to hear of your Fathers passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Loney
08/22/2011
Linda and Family,
I worked at Bauder Pharmacy for years and Tom was one of those faces I loved to see. I remember baking him and his friends chocolate and sugar cookies for his annual hunting trip he took. Tom always had a smile and a friendly word to always make anyones day better.
He will be missed by many!
Brenda Loney
Ankeny, Iowa
Judi,Dave Loughry&Cindy Keesler
08/21/2011
Linda, I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Judi Grubb Loughry
Jerry & Sue Forest
08/21/2011
Linda & family,
You have our sympathy at the loss of Tom. Our prayers will be with you and your family.
Lisa Flynn Van Roekel
08/21/2011
Tim and Family-
Tom was a generous and loving man. I remember as a kid ALWAYS being welcomed into your home by him and Linda. His laugh made me laugh and his smile lit up the room. Thanks for the great memories Tom. My heart goes out to all of you. I pray you'll find peace in your hearts soon.
Love to you all,
Lisa Flynn Van Roekel
Jen Baker Fattig
08/21/2011
Linda, Tommy, Tim and Michelle -
I'm so very sorry for the loss of Tom. He is such an amazing man and I'll always remember him for his warm smile. I hope your memories and the love you've shared will get you through this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mary and Lucas Barton
08/21/2011
Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. Lucas and I will always cherish the memories, we had with Tom, at the ballgames. He was a truly awesome man. He will always live on in our hearts. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary and Lucas
Bob and Barb Brekke
08/21/2011
Linda and Family
We are so sorry and sadden about your recent loss of such a great guy.
We are in Branson right now but our thoughts, prayers and love are with you.
Bob and Barb
Gordon Gratias
08/21/2011
To the Vail Family:
I just wanted to tell you how sorry I was to hear about Tom. I am in Florida and cannot make it to the funeral, but my thoughts are with you today. Linda and Tommy, it was good to see you the other day and do wish I was there today, but cannot make it back. Tom will always be remembered for his smile and that he would help anyone at anytime as he did me.
He will be missed.
Gordy Gratias
West Des Moines, Iowa
Marilyn and Steve Grover
08/21/2011
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We met you, your family and Tom through the Hawkeye bus trips. We will sure miss Tom and his kind heart along with his goose jerkey, wheel and game pools. He will sure be missed by all.
GO HAWKS!
Gail Foster Horman
08/20/2011
I will always remember Tom's beautiful smile. He always had a special smile for everyone. He was the greatest umpire. May God give you peace in your time of sorrow. He will be missed dearly
Rusty Anderson
08/20/2011
My condolences to you Tim and your family during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.... Tom was a wonderful man with a heart of gold, he will be deeply missed.
Brenda Mcdonald
08/20/2011
What a Wonferful & Giving man he was.
The first time I met Tom was when an EHS coach sent me to him to fix my sons broken baseball glove (during playoffs). His kindess from that day forward was something that he always gave to others.
His kindness toward his neighbor (Crystal) gave her peace and comfort. Not many people go out of their way to help others, but Tom did that on a daily basis.
My thoughts and prayer are with your family and may knowing how many care somehow lughten your burden.
Lance Hanson
08/20/2011
Tom, A man I always looked up to. You will be missed but never forgotten.