05/20/2014
Thomas “Tom” Hubert Havener, age 85, of Knoxville passed away Tuesday afternoon, May 20, 2014 at the Hospice Comfort House of Pella.
Tom was born March 25, 1929 on a farm in rural Bussey, Iowa, the son of Hubert L. and Esther (McVay) Havener. Tom went to school in rural Marion County and later Knoxville High School, graduating in 1946.
On September 18, 1948 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa, Tom and Catherine Chilcote were united in marriage. Tom and Catherine were blessed with 65 years of marriage and three children: Joan, Joyce and Norman.
Tom enjoyed working all his life. He farmed for several years and was awarded the Master Iowa Pork Producer Award; he also was a Walnut Grove feed salesman for many years. He also sold insurance, real-estate and crop insurance. Tom most recently worked for the Knoxville True Value Hardware Store repairing broken screens and windows.
Tom had many hobbies during his life. He golfed, enjoyed playing cards, fishing and traveling. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a former Y’s Men with the church and a former member of the Morning Kiwanis. Tom will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Tom is survived by his wife Catherine of Knoxville; his children, Joan (Allen) Anderson of Cedar Rapids, Joyce (Dean) Gillaspie of Knoxville, and Norman (Ann) Havener of Arizona; many grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Tom is also survived by his brothers, Lloyd (Beverly) Havener of Tracy and John (Peggy) Havener of Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Esther; and his brother Robert.
Tom’s wishes were to be cremated and a celebration of his life will be held at 7:00 P.M., Friday evening, May 23, 2014, at the Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville. Tom’s family will be greeting friends Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. until service time. A private family burial will be held at Bellefountaine Cemetery in Tracy.
A memorial has been established in Tom’s name to the Pella Regional Health Center Charity Care Program designated for Comfort House.
Condolences may be sent to www.winfieldfh.com. The Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville is helping Tom’s family with services.