Thomas Willey

Thomas David Willey, son of Vernon L. Sr. and Joan M. Willey, died on April 12, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, IA from complications due to Leukemia. During his 66 years with us, Tom enjoyed fixing what was broken and improving what wasn't. There’s a strong chance that something in your home was bettered by his handiwork. When he wasn’t remodeling your attic, installing your windows, or fixing your bathroom lighting; he was riling up his grandchildren, exploring an antique shop, playing drums, or planning a trip to the beach.

He was as comfortable over a flat-top as he was over a miter saw. At age 14, when Altoona was little more than a place for farmers and truckers to refuel, he started in the kitchen at Union 76 Truckstop- a rite of passage for young area folks at the time. There, working next to his brothers, he made lifelong friends and started an enduring career in the food and beverage industry. Before retiring from Nestle Food Services in the winter of 2017, he worked for Coca-Cola, Hawkeye Food Services and Can Two Food Brokerage. Tom’s Papa pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, various smoked meats, and potato salad were truly difficult to top.

Each of his mornings started with coffee and the entire Des Moines Register, before a long day of working hard and sharing good news. He likely waved to you from his lawn or told you a story in the aisles of Menards. And he always, always, found a way to make you smile, even simply by sharing his- which was impossibly infectious.

Nothing was more valuable to Tom than his family and friends and that was shown clearly in the expansive numbers of both. Through all of his hobbies, his projects, his struggles, and his adventures; he could most often be found next to his companion and wife of 36 years, Judy (Allen) Willey- with whom he shared an enviably strong love. Tom and Judy met as a part of Southeast Polk High School’s Class of 1971 and reconnected later to share their life together while raising their 3 children in their hometown of Altoona, IA.

His legacy of kindness and joy will be long cherished and shared by his wife, Judy; his daughters Teresa Smith and Suzie Brannen; his son, Tommy (Dani); his grandchildren, Michael, Colton, Noah, Kaleb and Kelsey; his brothers, Vernon II (Vicky), Clay (Connie), and Bill (Kande); his sister, Michelle Buckley (Darwin); his Allen in-laws, Myron (Shelly), Tim, Cheryl, and Peter Logli (Rebecca); and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Rick.

Inurnment service will be held on Saturday, August 28, at 11:00am, at Altoona Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at Bondurant Legion Hall, Bondurant, IA. For everyone’s safety, masks are to be worn while inside the hall except while seated/eating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to:
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (lls.org)
A Heinz 57 Pet Rescue (aheinz57.com)
or your local food bank

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