Tom E. Killen Sr.
March 24, 2017
Tom E. Killen Sr., 51, passed away Friday, March 24, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.
Tom was born July 12, 1965, to John and Betty (Johnson) Killen in Des Moines, Iowa. He was the rock of his family. Tom was willing to do anything to help his siblings and he loved his family and his grandchildren. He did not know a stranger. Racing was Tom’s passion and he was the best! He started racing in 1981 and continued for the next 35 years. He was known as “Terrific Tom Killen.”
He is survived by his wife, Robyn; children, Amy Killen, Betty Rivas-Killen, Rikki Barrett, Tom Killen Jr. and Cody Barrett; twelve grandchildren; siblings, Buck (Linda) Killen, Linda Reed, Bill (Cheryl) Killen, Eddie (Pam) Killen and Donnie Killen; and numerous extended family and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Betty Killen; brother, John Killen; brother-in-law, Buck Reed; sister-in-law, Terri Killen; nieces, Barbara Killen and Carol Kalar; and two infant nephews.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, March 27, 2017, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2017, also at Hamilton’s, and will conclude with burial at Carlisle Cemetery.
A special thank you to Dr. Larry Severidt for his dedicated care of Tom.
Memorial contributions may be directed to an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Carolyn Rogers (Steve's wife, Danny's sister-in-la
04/04/2017
Imagine Tommy arriving in heaven, where all the rich rewards he's waited for are his at last.
Picturing that with loved ones I've lost comforts me. I hope it gives his family & friends some peace.
God bless.
Courtney Hon
03/30/2017
Tommy I'll always hold you close to my heart. Your an amazing man. I love you with all my heart and will miss always!!!!
Shelly
03/29/2017
I'm so sorry to hear of tommy passing..had alot of crazy times with him back in the day..if we can't win we don't want to play...I know your racing and winning on another track now...rip
Bo Gray
03/27/2017
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Donny and the family
Kenny Bevard
03/27/2017
My heart goes out to The Killen family may God comfort you.
Sam Leo
03/27/2017
I'm not sure if I have the right family. I attended St. Joseph's grade school with a Bill and John Killen in the 60's. The John Killen I knew was killed on Vietnam and I lost track of Bill. If this is the same family, I would like to reconnect with Bill. Either way, I am sorry for your loss.
Sam Leo
Missy Cardines
03/26/2017
My thoughts and heart&prayers go out to the Killen Family.R,I,P,Tommy.
Nona Warden
03/26/2017
Will miss seeing Tommy around the race tracks. He was always nice to me. Rest In Peace
Angela Johnson
03/26/2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. Tommy was a good guy and we had alot of crazy times together. He will be greatly missed.
Joannie Van Damme
03/26/2017
Tommy was a really cool guy. He had that rough exterior and some would avoid him but he had a kind heart and if you treated him right he did the same. He will be missed.
Christina stamper
03/26/2017
So sorry to hear about tommy I went to grade school with him may god be with you all at a time like this r.I.p tommy
Rick & Marcia Naylor
03/26/2017
So sorry for the loss of such a loved one wherter it be racing, camping, or cooking he was one of the greatest The perilie gates are open receiving Tommy with love.
Ray and Theresa hay
03/26/2017
Go race that dirt track in heaven our friend . . To the killen gang please accept our Condolences for your loss of a great son, brother, father, uncle, cousin, grandfather, & friend to many.
RIP Tommy
Cuco and Emily
03/26/2017
I'll never forget your question to me, my friend, the very first time we met. Still, it makes us laugh! In these 18 years of friendship you taught us more than you'll ever know! You influenced our lives immensely. We are very saddened to hear of your passing. We know that we'll continue laughing with you again one day, wherever you are, because you're in our hearts forever........ Descansa en paz, Mi Gran Amigo!!!
Deena (Hood) Dake
03/26/2017
Prayers and thoughts go out to the Killen family. RIP Tom.