Tom Boas

November 4, 1948 - December 3, 2020

Wilbur Thomas “Tom” Boas, 72, of rural Bloomfield, Iowa passed away on December 3, 2020 at his home surrounded by family. He was born November 4, 1948 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Wilbur Louis and Marie Fae (Amelang) Boas. He married Mary Ellen Schlarbaum on September 2, 1967 at the Drakesville Methodist Church in Drakesville, Iowa. They celebrated their 53rd anniversary earlier this year. Tom worked for John Deere Ottumwa Works for 30 years, retiring in 1997. He drove a school bus for Davis County for 3½ years and worked for Golden Furrow/Nutrien for 22 years. Tom also enjoyed farming and raising cattle. Tom was a devoted family man. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the light of his life. He had many interests including; trap shooting at Izaak Walton League; coyote and deer hunting; attending the Southeast Iowa Coyote Hunters annual hunt; fishing with family; being an active member of the Soap Creek Rebels Saddle Club and going on the annual trail ride to Fort Madison; playing cards; and traveling. Tom and Mary participated on a trail ride in 1996 across Iowa and in 1997 from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Salt Lake City, Utah in a covered wagon. Tom was a member of the Floris Baptist Church. The family would like to thank Dr. Floyd, Becky Swaim, Brandy Summers, and Rachel Lames for their exceptional care. He is survived by his wife; four children, Jon (Laurie) Boas of Cincinnati, Iowa, Kristi (David) Lee of Floris, Iowa, Susan (Colby) Buckallew of Lancaster, Missouri, Darci (Brian) Jackson of Ely, Iowa; 17 grandchildren, Levi, Gunnar, and Spencer Boas, Bryer, Josie, Carley, and Dugan Oden, Whitney, Rocky, and Davina Lee, Alexis (Tyler) Shanahan, Chloe and Marissa Buckallew, Austyn, Blayk, Dominick, and Brooklyn Jackson; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ray (Patricia) Boas, Roy (Patsy) Boas both of Bloomfield; in-laws, Shirley and LeRoy Arndt, George and Deb Schlarbaum, Fran Ludwig; and numerous nieces, nephews, other members of family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law, Emery and Jessie Schlarbaum; brothers, Carl and James Boas; and brothers-in-law, Harley Schlarbaum, Don Ludwig. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 7, 2020 at the Mark Baptist Church with Pastor Tom Gibson officiating. Burial will be at the Drakesville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-5:00 p.m. on Sunday at Tom’s house located at 19191 Opal Ave, Bloomfield, Iowa 52537. Masks are required for both visitation and funeral.