Thomas D Wilson

Thomas D. Wilson was born in Muncie, Indiana, February 10, 1942. He grew up in Albany, Indiana, where he was educated in the public school system through high school. He matriculated to William Penn University where he played varsity basketball and also coached freshman basketball during his senior year. He graduated with a degree in physical education and a minor in industrial arts. It was there that he met Marilyn. They were married after Tom graduated and before Marilyn began her senior year.

Tom began his coaching career in earnest at area Iowa high schools in Lynnville-Sully H. S. and went on to coach at Pleasantville and Saydel High Schools while earning his master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Drake University. During his time in coaching, Tom and Marilyn’s family expanded with the arrival of son Eric and daughter Emily. Leaving coaching, Tom went to work for the Iowa Educational agency as director of the Northwest Iowa region. From the field of education, Tom entered private business where he worked in corporate sales, business management, and commercial real estate brokerage until his retirement in 2014.

Throughout Tom’s adult life there is one overarching theme besides his love for Marilyn and their family. That is his devotion to God and service in the work of the church. Tom served in many capacities in the churches they attended in Iowa, Nashville, Cincinnati, and Colorado. He served as deacon, elder, on various committees, and as a Sunday School teacher. Tom was valued in all these endeavors for his wisdom, his kindness and his humility. He was loved in every place for his warm heart and his loving spirit and, of course, his brilliantly dry wit.

After his retirement in 2014, Tom and Marilyn enjoyed new opportunities to travel, spend time with their grandchildren, and for Tom, the welcome opportunity to play golf on a very regular basis. However, over the past 5+ years, Tom battled Parkinson’s disease gamely, with Marilyn at his side every step of the way. The disease ultimately took him from us on July 26. He died quietly at home, as he had dearly wished, with Marilyn and Emily at his side. To say that Tom will be missed is a monumental understatement. But though we know he is gone from us in the physical sense, he will live and be loved forever in the hearts of his family and all those who knew him. He has gone to be with the Lord, and we rejoice in the fact that he is free and whole and comfortable in God’s presence.

Tom is survived by his beloved Marilyn, devoted daughter Emily and her husband Joey Salamon, and son Eric. He is also survived by his brother Dennis and wife Soni, and his sister Sandy and her husband Larry. Tom’s array of grandchildren is impressive. He will be remembered and loved by Kaya, Kavalyn, Madison, Katia, Trevor, and Kali.

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our dear Tom. It is with thanksgiving that we know that he is at perfect rest and peace.