Thomas Gary
May 07, 2019
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Service Details
Thomas Gary, 56, was born November 5, 1962, in Des Moines. He passed away at his home on May 7, 2019.
Tom is survived by his sisters, Laura Gary and Elaine (Scott) Ellis; step-siblings, Randy Baker and Barb Miller; nephew, Ethan Ellis, and his niece, Adison Ellis. He is also survived by the Blues Army of Des Moines and Central Iowa Blues Society, as well as a host of extended family and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ann Gary and Thomas Gary, Jr.; sister, Gloria Gary; and step-mother, Pat Gary.
Tom was an art teacher at St. Theresa, Christ the King, and St. Joseph.
Tom was the founder of Central Iowa Blues Society and the Blues Hall of Fame. He enjoyed playing the piano/keyboard and singing in many bands over the years. Tom was currently a member of The Backstage Boogie Band and Bad Boys of Blues. Above all else, Tom loved his family and was a fantastic uncle!
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 13, 2019, at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Avenue in Des Moines with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday afternoon from 2-4 p.m., with a Rosary at 4 p.m., at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Tom.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jay Taylor
05/14/2019
I thank Tom for the opportunity to be a part of The Iowa Blues Showcase series. He brought a lot of great musicians together to play and record the blues. His legacy in Iowa blues will live far into the future.
Joe Wittfeld
05/13/2019
Started together in the Hellhounds band. 1990. Miss You Man. Love and Hugs to all those in your tribe. The keeper of the grail has passed.
Cheryl Evans-Pryor
05/12/2019
Tom was a great historian. The Rise and Fall of Center Street book illuminates his passion for the truth in history. He was serious about playing music right as a performer and entertainer.
He was a good friend to my late husband Jimmy Pryor. They had lots of laughs together. Thank you Tom for being a real bluesman and preserving it.
Jono Smith
05/12/2019
I want to thank Tom for being my blues mentor and for all of the great music he played. I'll never forget his laugh. I am proud to have been his friend and sometimes musical partner. Rest In Peace, my Brother! May God bring peace to the family. Peace and Love!
Ellen Stemler
05/11/2019
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many through your music, your art and especially your heart! Rest In Peace!
Christa Miller
05/10/2019
Tom was a great colleague at STCS. I've only worked with him just under two years, but it was obvious how much he shared his love of the arts and his faith with all. RIP Tom.
Randy Manning
05/09/2019
Its strange. That you can have years of separation from the friends and even the kids you just grew up with.
And when you hear that they passed away, there is that true sense of loss.
Sorry to hear of Toms passing.
Love and respect to the family, youre been through a lot.
Renee Vuper
05/09/2019
I am so sorry for your loss. Tom taught my grandchildren at Christ the King. I want you to know he truly had a positive impact on them, and theyve talked the last couple days about the things theyd miss about him. He was a kind, humble and caring man that I had the privilege of getting to know better this last year. He will be missed!
David Gotta - Royal Oak, MI
05/08/2019
Tommy, so many memories of when we were kids. Climbing the tree on the farm, riding bikes around Des Moines. Your albums of the Beatles, and you hitting the keys on the piano. God bless you cousin, and may Laura and Elaine find comfort in time of need.