Gray, E. Thomas

E. Thomas Gray

Edward Thomas “Tom” Gray, 92, died Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at the Mayflower Health Center in Grinnell. Graveside services will be Monday, May 7, at 9 a.m. at Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington, Iowa. Visitation will be Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Carman Center in the Mayflower Home, 600 Park Ct., Grinnell.

Tom was born Aug. 26, 1919, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Edward and Lotte “Mabel” Gray. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa following his service as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps during World War II. He later served as a reservist in Germany during the Korean War.

On Oct. 1, 1950, Tom was married to Dorothy Moore of Maxwell, Iowa. In 1952, the couple moved to Grinnell, where he became district manager at the Iowa Southern Utilities Co.

The family left Grinnell in 1963 so Tom could pursue his master's degree in economics at the University of Iowa. After graduation, Tom joined the University's Iowa Community Service and Continuing Education Program, and served as associate director until 1981. He then served as associate director of the Office of Community College Affairs until his retirement. In 1976, Tom received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Title I Council.

Service was an important part of Tom's life and he was involved in a variety of organizations and volunteer activities. While in Grinnell, Tom served as president of the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He held leadership positions with the Lions Club and as a cancer survivor became a volunteer with Iowa City Hospice. He received the James E. Stronks Memorial Award by the Iowa City Host Noon Lions Club in 1990 and was named the Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian service by the Lions Club International Foundation in 1993. He also served on the board of trustees for Mayflower Homes from 1979 to 1985.

The couple made their home in Iowa City until 1999, when they returned to live in Grinnell. Tom was a devoted caregiver to Dorothy until her death in 2005.

Tom enjoyed spending his time with family and friends, wine tasting, sports, especially University of Iowa football, playing tennis, and listening to Big Band music. He was a longtime choir member at the Iowa City UCC Congregational Church.

He was known for his wonderful smile and gentle spirit.

Tom is survived by his three children, Sue Gray of St. Paul, Minn., Douglas Gray of Denver, Colo., and Robert Gray (Kelly Jordan) of Stillwater, Minn.; and grandchildren, William and Nicholas.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; and his half brother, Keith Molesworth.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Mayflower Education or Human Needs Fund or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be directed to www.lensingfuneral.com

Published May 4, 2012 in The Gazette