Summy, Thomas H.

Thomas H. Summy, 76, died at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013, surrounded by his family. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, with the Very Rev. Rudolph Juarez officiating. Family committal services will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed St. Patrick's Catholic Church, the Regina Foundation or to the University of Iowa Foundation for University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Tom was born July 3, 1936, in Panora, Iowa, to Kathryn Hart and Howard Summy. A graduate of Panora High School in 1954, Tom also earned Bachelor of Business Administration (1965) and Master of Business Administration (2000) degrees, both from the University of Iowa. Tom proudly served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1961.

Tom married Mary Jo “Toby” Hobart in 1959. The happy union produced Elizabeth, Sarah, John (Alison), Matthew (Kathryn) and Joel (Carrie) and nine grandchildren. Mary Jo died in 1992.

Those left to honor him also include his sister, Vicki (Joseph Webb), and her children, Ross (Pam) and Scott Todd; and his brother-in-law, Tom (Jeri) Hobart, and their children, Will (Betsy) and Jaye.

In 1994, Tom married Yvonne (Suzie) Oliver in Iowa City. Suzie's children, Brian (Laurence), Nathan and Sheral (Chris Jensen), as well as seven grandchildren, expanded Tom's family much to his delight.

In 1962, Tom purchased the clothing store Stephens of Iowa City, which he operated in three different locations until 1992. After closing Stephens, Tom worked as a regional general contractor. Other business interests included Stephens for Women, the first private liquor store in the state of Iowa, a canoe outfitter store and a local FM radio station.

He was president-elect of the Menswear Retailers Association, a national trade association, and a board member of Iowa Public Television. Tom believed strongly in giving back to the community, and his community service included Sunrise Optimist Club, Iowa City Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Association, Red Cross board, boys baseball, various youth groups and fund drives, Regina Booster Club board president, St. Joseph Cemetery board, St. Patrick's Church, Master Gardener, I-Club, University of Iowa Presidents Club Foundation, Iowa City Library board president and Eastern Iowa Library board, Sigma Nu fraternity, Elks Club and the Ronald McDonald House. He was especially proud to be an Iowa Century Family Farm owner in Guthrie County.

Tom's varied interests included his yard and his flowers, walleye and fly fishing, being a private pilot and the activities of grandchildren. People, ice cream, popcorn, mowing his yard and a four o'clock beer were important priorities in his life. He enjoyed travels to Russia, Great Britain, France, China, Tibet, Africa, the North Seas and 48 of the 50 U.S. states (New Hampshire and Vermont were on the list for this summer). A longtime supporter of Iowa athletics, he restricted his travel during football seasons.

He wants the world to know he had a great life and was very lucky to live so long. His children want everyone to know he was a role model and inspiration to many.

Arrangements are with Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, where online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lensingfuneral.com.

Published Feb. 14, 2013 in The Gazette