"My sister and I were eating at Prairie Meadows a couple years ago and we saw a guy at the next table with great suspenders on, when he turned around it was Uncle Tom, we had quite a conversation about those suspenders, he always had great stories..."
In loving memory of
Thomas Paul Farrell
January 26, 1940 - August 19, 2020
Thomas Paul Farrell, age 80 of Prairie City, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at his home. Burial at Vandalia Cemetery will be held at a later date. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com
The son of James Leroy and Kathleen (Walsh) Farrell, Tom was born on January 26, 1940 in Whittemore, Iowa. He graduated from high school in 1957 and attended Loras College. Tom married Ellen Maahs in 1961 and later divorced. He later married JoAnn (Schagen) DeBruin. He served in the United States Marines from 1960 and was honorably discharged in 1964. He was a member of the Catholic Church. Tom was a fan of country western music. He enjoyed singing them and at church singing all of the old hymns. Tom was an avid reader and had a very keen mind remembering all that he read. He and JoAnn enjoyed traveling which was done for many years. In their travels, many stops were made at gas stations not for gas but rather to see if any cars had Iowa plates. If they found one he would surely have a conversation with the owner. He will be missed by all!
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, JoAnn; children, Clete, John (Donna) both in Sanborn, Iowa, Craig in Lennox, SD, and Ed in Denison, Iowa; step children, Linda (Dana) THomas, Mark, and Steve (Lori); 13 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren. Preceding Tom in death were his parents, siblings, James, Leo and Kenneth Farrell and Mary Elbert, Helen Wirth, and Emaline Farrell and two stepchildren, Beth Seehuson and Tim DeBruin.
Tributes
"Cour condolences to Tom's family: We enjoyed his sense of humor at the Altoona Campus water aerobics classes."
"I got to know Tom at the library. His commentary on the news in the paper and his funny stories will be missed! We are praying for you all."