"Tom and his wife would winter in Arizona. Tom got a hat at the Grand Canyon that simply said "Grand Canyon" on it. Every time I would see Tom wearing that hat, I would ask, "Nice hat! Where did you get it?" He would always give me a funny look and say "The Grand Canyon." Tom was a very loving friend, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed. I think that in Heaven, his mom, Cathie, is making Christmas cookies, his sister (my wife) Monica is putting on the frosting and Tom is asking why they can't have pie. :) My deepest sympathies to Tom's wife Darlene, one of the most courageous and strongest women I have ever known."
In loving memory of
Thomas Joseph Smith
September 25, 1956 - September 11, 2013
Thomas Joseph Smith
ELDRIDGE, Iowa--Thomas Joseph Smith, 56, a resident of Eldridge, formerly of Muscatine, died on September 11, 2013, at Genesis Medical Center, West Campus, Davenport. Tom fought a thirty year courageous battle with Muscular Dystrophy.
Celebration of Life Birthday Party and Gathering will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2013, at Gannon Hall, SS. Mary & Mathias Catholic Church, 215 West Eighth Street, Muscatine. In keeping with Tom's wishes cremation rites were accorded. Halligan McCabe DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tom was born on September 25, 1956, in Muscatine, the son of Claire L. and Catherine A. Duesman Smith. Tom graduated from Muscatine High School in 1974. Tom was united in marriage to Darlene Dee Smith Aug. 25, 1978, in Muscatine.
Tom was employed by Grain Processing Corporation where he retired after 25 years.
Tom enjoyed camping and fishing, especially with his best friend Dennis Brady. He also enjoyed watching TV and spending time with his son Jeff.
At the request of the family memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Tom will be deeply missed by his wife, Darlene Smith of Eldridge; a son, Jeffery A. Smith of Eldridge; a daughter, Amber M. Miller and husband, Sam, of Parkview; grandchildren, Travis Joseph "TJ", Lucas, Arabella, and Makayla Miller; his father, Claire L. Smith of Muscatine; his sister, Pat Smith and her husband, Dick Snyder, of Orlando, Florida; a brother, John Smith and wife, Lori, and their two daughters and one son, all of Orlando, Florida; and his brother in law, Tom Brehmer of Muscatine.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Catherine in 2010, and a sister, Monica Brehmer in 2012. May they rest in peace.