Tom Russell
June 20, 2012
Tom Russell, 47, passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2012, at Taylor House Hospice.
Tom was born July 28, 1964, in Des Moines. He graduated from Urbandale High School class of 1982, where he participated in swimming and football. He was a foreman for Jensen Builders, Ltd., and in all of his experience pouring concrete he remained a perfectionist. Tom had an incredible work ethic, his motto was “work hard or go home.” He had a very strong Christian faith and was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Tom was a loving son, husband and daddy. He was very involved in his daughters’ activities, from participating in Girl Scout events to helping with dance recitals. Tom will be remembered for his kind heart and willingness to help others. He was proud of his right to bear arms and loved the outdoors, camping, traveling and the Iowa State Fair.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Beverly; daughters, Jessica and Danielle; parents, Gale and Gayla Russell; and his siblings, Mark Russell, Susan (Floyd) Spoerry, Ellen (Dan) Eagen, and Ruth (Scott Geer) Browning; his aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces; and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at Grace Lutheran Church, 3010 52nd Street, followed by burial at Pine Hill Cemetery. Visitation with Tom’s body present will be held from 4-8 p.m. Monday, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.
Please direct memorial contributions to the family for the college education of Jessica and Danielle and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Methodist Medical Center, Medical Oncology, Dr. Buroker, Michelle and Pat, and the Taylor Hospice House.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Beth
06/23/2012
Beverly, Jessica and Danielle,
I am at a loss for words. I hurt for what you are going through right now. May the memories and laughter get you through this difficult time. Memories and love of family and friends are very powerful.
God bless
Anastasia
06/22/2012
You know Sally & him are havein a brew or 6
Cindy Thompson Gervais
06/22/2012
To all the Russell family-I am saddened by the news of Tom's passing. I will always cherish the fun times we had growing up in the neighborhood on 69th Street. May God wrap his arms around all of you and help you find peace. You are all in my prayers.
Jerry Thompson
06/22/2012
Wow, so sad to hear about my good friend and great neighbor Tommy. I have such good memories of 69th Street and the fun times. I pray for his family as they will always have a special place in my heart. May God Bless each of you and I will certainly shed a tear for Tommy. He is rock solid in every way. We are all so blessed to have known him.
Maureen Sorensen
06/22/2012
We are so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. I was so blessed to grow up with Tom, and have such fond memories of the neighborhood kids playing kick the can and other games in the Summertime --- I always think of him laughing and having fun ! Truly a great guy with a kind heart and welcoming smile !! He will be missed !! May the Good Lord bless and comfort all of you during this difficult time. Our love and prayers to all !!
John and Maureen(McCormick)Sorensen and Family
Deb Halverson
06/22/2012
Beverly,
I was saddened to hear of the loss of your husband, Tom. Even though I never had the pleasure of meeting him, it seems from all of the messages written here -he was a wonderful person. My prayers are with you and your daughters. I hope your memories will guide you through this difficult time.
Shellie Gamble
06/22/2012
Rest in Peace Tom,You did fight the good fight and now its time to rest. I will miss you and the way you would always make all of us girls laugh when you came to see Beverly.Bless you Beverly,Jessica, and Danielle ,I love you guys and praying for peace for you.Love Shellie
Terri Garber
06/22/2012
To The Russell Family -
My thoughts and prayers have been with you on your journey, that journey continues and will for years to come. Good and bad days will lye ahead of all of you; but he will be watching, directing and participating in all life events! The thought of Heaven is a wonderous miracle - magical in the sense it is one act only God holds the secret too. I know your faith will guide you, it already has. Please let us help in anyway we can! May blessings be upon all of you...
Pam Hearn
06/22/2012
Beverly, Jessica & Danielle:
My heart goes out to you at this most difficult time. Tom was a
very outgoing person and always had a friendly attitude and nice things to say when I saw him.
I am praying for all of you. He will be missed. Love, Pam