account

Obituary

Thomas W. Smith, 79, of Burlington, formerly of Fairfield, IA, died at 9:07 a.m. Thursday, October 10, 2019 at his home. Born May 5, 1940 in Terre Haute, IN, he was the son of Ernest and Margaret (Fry) Smith. He married Sylvia McClure on February 13, 1960 in Washington, IA. Tom and Sylvia resided in Fairfield, IA from 1968-2008, and Burlington, IA from 2008- present. Tom worked for Prudential Insurance as an agent for 31 years until his retirement in 1998. Following his retirement, Tom was a part-time bus driver for senior citizens, disabled students, Burlington Care Center, and the Burlington YMCA. Tom never met a stranger. Highlights of his day were hugs from the YMCA program children and his relationships with the residents and staff of Burlington Care Center. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Sylvia of Burlington; two daughters, Marcia (David) Carlson and Paula Hull both of Burlington; son, Thomas Smith II of Franklin, IN; five grandchildren, Jay Carlson of Minneapolis, MN, Amy Carlson of Baltimore, MD, Ashley Hull of Chicago, IL, Stephanie Hull of Burlington, IA, and Samuel (Amy) Smith of Dixon, MO, three great-grandchildren, and one sister, Suse Ann (Bryan) Fitzgerald of Dayton, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Kenneth. At Tom's request, no funeral or visitation is planned. Cards may be sent to the family at Lunning Chapel, 2620 Mt. Pleasant Street, Burlington, IA 52601. Memorials may be directed to the Burlington YMCA After School Program or Great River Hospice. According to his wishes, Tom's body has been donated to the University of Iowa for Medical Education.