11/07/2013
Thomas Richard “Tom” Goff, age 79, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away Thursday, November 7, 2013 at the Knoxville Hospital & Clinics in Knoxville.
Tom was born in Knoxville, Iowa, on September 16, 1934, the son of Samuel Burris “S.B.” and Myrtle Ellen (Garrett) Goff. Tom was raised in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School, Class of 1952. After graduation, Tom attended Simpson College where he received his Business/Economics degree.
Tom began working at Goff and Nash Auto Parts Store in Knoxville, a family business, after college. He worked at Goff and Nash for 43 years, beginning as a machinist in the machine shop. For most of his career, Tom was an Auto Parts Jobber.
In 1955, Tom and Sharon Bittle were united in marriage. They were blessed with four children: David Thomas, Kimberly Dianne, Julie Ann, and Kathleen Joann. Tom and Sharon later divorced.
On March 12, 1972, Tom and Jo (Hawk) Dumond was united in marriage. Their family grew with Jo’s two boys: Drew and Jeff. Tom and Jo shared over 41 years of marriage before Tom’s passing.
As a young man, Tom served in the Iowa National Guard for many years. He had many interests including hunting and fishing, the outdoors, traveling, sprint car racing, and building birdhouses. He especially enjoyed letter writing.
Tom is survived by his wife, Jo Goff of Knoxville, his daughters, Kimberly (Randy) Allen of Knoxville, Julie (Greg) Varner of Knoxville, and Kathleen Beebout of Des Moines, one stepson, Jeff Dumond of Des Moines, nine grandchildren, Anna (Goff) Mitton, Shannon (Varner) Ambroson, Ben Varner, Leanne (Helmers) Schucker, Samantha Beebout, Andrea Beebout, Nathan Varner, Cierra Jo Dumond, and Marissa Marie Demond and four great-grandchildren, Ellie Ambroson, Sonja Ambroson, Nora Mitton, and Sutton Schucker. Tom is also survived by one brother, William (Mary) Goff of Des Moines.
He was preceded in death by his parents, S.B. and Myrtle; his son, David Goff; his stepson, Drew Dumond; his grandson, Andrew Goff, and one sister in infancy Elizabeth Goff.
In the Celebration of Tom’s life, Tom’s family will be greeting friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum in Knoxville. A private burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in rural Knoxville.
A memorial has been established to the Marion County Humane Society or the HCI Hospice Care Services of Knoxville. Condolences may be sent to www.winfieldfh.com. The Winfield Funeral Home is assisting Tom’s family with services.