Thomas Wendell Person

Thomas W. Person passed away on July 25th , 2024 at his home after a long battle with cancer. He was 80 years old. A visitation will be held on Tuesday July 30th , 2024 10 to 11 am at Faith Lutheran Church in Adel at 602 S 14th St. A funeral ceremony with a luncheon will follow the visitation.

Tom was born August 17th , 1943, in Ida Grove, Ia. to Wendell and Vivian Person. As a young man, he played piano with his mother and became proficient on the accordion. He attended Des Moines Tech High School where he played baseball and graduated in 1961. After a short time at Grand View College, he entered the United States Air Force and would go on to earn top secret clearance as a Russian Voice Interceptor during the Cold War. At this time, he met his best friend in life Don Larkin, of West Friendship, Maryland. Upon return to the United States, he worked as a carpenter and was a member of Carpenter’s Local Union 106. In May of 1967, he married Jane Renaud, his

wife of more than 57 years. They had two sons Brad and Bryan.

After life as a carpenter, Tom went into construction sales and management for Stetson Building Products. He then retired as a representative from ACD Group. He also worked as a private investigator for nearly 30 years, spending much of that time working for those who were wrongly accused. He ended his career at 80 years old working for Gratias Investigations. As a 38 year member of Alcoholics Anonymous, Tom spent much of his time mentoring and helping those struggling with addiction.

Tom’s passions in life were hunting and fishing, writing poetry and authoring four books, attending sports events of his boys and later his granddaughters offering coaching and support. Most important to Tom was his family and time spent with them.

Tom is survived by his wife Jane; brother Steve; sons Brad (Monica) and Bryan (Marcia); granddaughters, Bailee Rauenhorst (Joseph), Erin Person, Cailey Person, Brylee Person, Danielle Person, and Macy Person.

Special thanks to the Unity Point Hospice Nurses for all of their wonderful care during Tom’s cancer fight. Contributions can be made to The Adel Food Pantry or Faith Lutheran Church Adel.