Thomas 'Tom' Slaymaker

THOMAS “TOM” NEIL SLAYMAKER

Williamsburg

Thomas "Tom" Neil Slaymaker was born Oct. 9, 1938, near Marengo, Iowa, the son of Arnold and Lucille (Thomas) Slaymaker. He graduated from Williamsburg High School and attended LinoType College in Charles City. Tom was united in marriage to Maralyn Stahl on Aug. 23, 1958, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Williamsburg Early in their marriage, they owned and operated the newspaper in Oskaloosa. They later moved to Maralyn's family farm west of Williamsburg. Tom continued to work for newspapers including the Iowa City Press Citizen and the Journal Tribune, until 1965 when he retired from the papers and began farming the family farm. He enjoyed watching Indy and NASCAR races, Iowa Hawkeye football and especially he enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their sporting events. He was a prolific reader and trivia champion. Tom passed away Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family at the age of 83.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Maralyn; a son, Jeff and wife Lisa Slaymaker of Williamsburg; a daughter, Sherri Slaymaker and husband Peter Knowles of Denver, Colo.; five grandchildren, Eric Slaymaker (Jess), Cord Slaymaker (Erin Foster), Kali Slaymaker (Chance Wetjen), Olivia Knowles and Will Thomas Knowles; two great-grandchildren, Charlie Ann Slaymaker and Brooks Thomas Wetjen; and a sister, Nancy Roberts of Williamsburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jay Thomas Slaymaker; a brother, Richard Slaymaker; and a brother-in-law, Robert Roberts.

Celebration of Life service will be 10:30 am Thursday, Dec. 23, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Williamsburg. Burial is at Pilot Grove Cemetery, Williamsburg. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg. A memorial fund has been established for Camp Courageous or the Iowa County Food Bank. Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com.