Thomas "Tom" Scott

Thomas Martin Scott passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at home with his family. Thomas was born on April 16, 1927 in Otoe County, Nebraska. He was the eldest son of Arnold E. and Ruth E. Scott. He attended country schools in Otoe County, Nebraska and Fremont County, Iowa. Tom attended Farragut High School graduating in 1944. After high school Tom attended Tarkio College in Tarkio, MO for one year before being drafted in June of 1945. He served in the US Army from June 1945 until November 1946. Upon discharge from the service, Tom returned to Tarkio College and completed a BA degree in 1949 with majors in secondary education and chemistry. He also earned a MA degree in physical science from Colorado State College of Education in Greeley, Colorado in 1954.

Tom taught High School Science at Skidmore, MO, Winterset, IA and Des Moines, IA for 41 years before retiring in 1990. He was a lifetime member of the National Education Association and the National Science Teachers Association serving as treasurer from 1967 to 1970 and as vice president in 1965. After retirement, it was not unusual for Tom to meet former students who recognized and remembered him when out in the community even when out of state. While teaching in Winterset, Tom met his wife, Marian, they married in 1957, had two children and were happily married for 65 years.

When he was not in the classroom, Tom enjoyed gardening and raising roses. He and Marian took the family on summer vacations, and, after retirement, they continued to travel extensively. He spent a great deal of time researching the family history and left volumes of information and pictures for the family to enjoy. He volunteered at the Iowa Genealogical Society and he and Marian volunteered at Methodist West hospital. He was a very active member of Wakonda Christian Church for more than 60 years, and also a member of Golden K Kiwanis. Always a teacher, his family cannot watch a fireworks display without remembering his telling them what chemicals were used for each color.

Tom is survived by his wife, Marian, their two children: daughter, Ruth Elizabeth Wedekind (Johnny) and son, Thomas Franklin Scott (Kim); grandsons, Justin Wedekind (Elisa), Micah Wedekind (Ashley) and Alexander Burgess Scott; great-grandchildren, Elijah Wedekind, Malachi Wedekind and Sadie Rog; and one brother, Richard.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Donald and James.

A memorial service will be held on January 7, 2023 at Wakonda Christian Church at 11:00 a.m. with visitation prior beginning at 9 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Wakonda Christian Church, 3938 Fleur Dr., Des Moines, Iowa 50321, The Deerfield Foundation, 13731 Hickman Rd., Urbandale, Iowa 50323 or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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