Thomas D. Smith
December 21, 2017
Thomas D. Smith passed away peacefully on Friday, December 21, 2017. He was born November 30, 1938 in Chariton, IA to Harold and Carrie (Stevenson) Smith. Thomas married Janet Hess from Mt. Vernon on June 26, 1960.
His education included a BBA from the University of Iowa, an MBA from Creighton University, and a Graduate of Stonier Graduate School of Banking and Certified Financial Planner.
A highlight of his life was in 1993 when he received the Distinguished Alumni-Hickerson Recognition award for his volunteer service at the University of Iowa.
Tom served on several civic boards in both Omaha and Des Moines, including Chairman of the Board of Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Vice Chair of the Des Moines Metro YMCA, Chair of the United Way of Central Iowa, and a board member of Living History Farms, Drake University, Mid-Iowa Council of Boy Scouts, the American Heart Association, and the Iowa College Fund.
Tom had three careers during his 55-years of employment – Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, Bankers Trust and Premier Financial Services. He was a consummate traveler having been on all seven continents, his favorite being Africa.
Tom and Jan enjoyed spending fifteen years wintering at their home in Arizona, escaping the Iowa winters. Some of his happiest moments were spent at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, NE and at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City watching football games.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Jan; son, Michael (Suzanne Casey Lavin) Smith; grandchildren, Miles and Samantha Smith; brother, Neil (Donna) Smith; and sister-in-law, Judy Hess and family. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Ron Hess.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 29, 2017 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines with visitation occurring one hour prior. Private family interment will take place at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.
Memorials may be directed to the family to go towards the United Way of Central Iowa, Furry Friends or the University of Iowa Foundation.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Cynthia Hadsell
01/06/2018
Tom was a great executive at Northwestern Bell. Always smiling and welcoming to all. Several years ago at a reunion, I told him that he was one of the rock stars of the executive group. He thought that was great fun and said he'd have to tell that one to his family. He will be missed!
Ron Kraft
12/30/2017
So sorry to hear about your loss
Ron Kraft
Barbara Halleck
12/29/2017
Jan, I am so sorry for your loss. My sympathy to you and your family.
Hubert Pierschbacher
12/28/2017
A good neighbor and a fun classmate in the CHS class of 1957. So sorry to read of his passing.
Bethalene Crandall Finesead
12/28/2017
Your were a fun classmate in CHS. God bless to your family and peace to them at this time.
Wayne & Linda Edsall
12/27/2017
Jan, We shared so many good times with you and Tom over our 56 year friendship that it's hard to imagine we have reached this point. Tom will be missed and you will always remain in our thoughts.
Carol Briggs
12/27/2017
Jan, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Hope we can get together soon. You are in my prayers.
Ray Getting
12/27/2017
Jan, my condolences to you and your family. I reported to Tom at Bankers Trust. He was a terrific mentor and leader and I am grateful for his guidance. We had a lot of fun, too. He will be missed.
Larry Toll
12/26/2017
Jan, Suzanne and I want to extend our deepest sympathy on your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Larry
Sylvia Bryan
12/25/2017
So sad about your family's loss.Many special times to remember.
David Montgomery
12/24/2017
Jan, my sincere condolences to you. You should remember all the good times that you shared together. I am glad I had the visits with him in May during the time of our 60th High School reunion. I will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time. Dave
Larry Haack
12/24/2017
.Jan: You know how sorry I am for your loss and how much I admired Tom over the years. I love you.
Larry
John and JoAnne McIntyre
12/24/2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jan, and your family in this time of loss. Tom was a business associate and a good friend. He will be missed.
Craig Finch
12/23/2017
Jan & Mike:
So sorry for your loss.
Craig