Thomas Routh Obituary

Tommy Routh left this world too soon on May 30, 2025. Visitation will be held at Iles Dunn’s Chapel on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the same location. Burial will follow at Cory Grove Cemetery in Elkhart.

Thomas Daniel Routh was born on September 8, 1994, to Melinda Kae Ferrell and Timothy Edward Routh Sr. at Des Moines General Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. He spent his childhood in Des Moines.

At the age of seven, Tommy was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. During his 52-week treatment, he met Rebecca Greenhorn. The two called themselves “Thunder Buddies.” He went on to graduate from East High School in 2012, where he lettered on the swim team.

Tommy and Makayla were inseparable from the start. They began dating on Valentine’s Day in 2022, then moved in together in September of the same year. On December 4, 2023, the couple got married at the Pro, surrounded by family and friends.

Tommy had a great love for nature and animals. He loved kayaking, especially with Makayla. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and tinkering with various items. Tommy had a special place in his heart for his beloved dogs, Hank, Delilah, and Diesel; his tortoise, Rocket; bearded dragon, Cheese; and crested gecko, Flash.

Tommy worked as a commercial roofer, and most recently contributed to the reconstruction and expansion of the Des Moines Airport. He also worked for his father-in-law, where he learned the craft of trim carpentry.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Bob Ferrell, Cynthia Cassidy, and Danny Lee Routh; step-grandpa Robert Johnson and step-grandma Kathy Allen; aunt Rebecca “Aunt B” Allen; and his great-grandparents.

Tommy is survived by his wife, Makayla Routh of Perry; father, Timothy Routh Sr. of Dexter; mother, Melinda (Jeff Thatcher) Ferrell of Maryville, TN; brother, Timothy (Julia) Routh Jr. of Des Moines; sister, Makayla Ferrell of Maryville, TN; grandma, Barb Johnson of Dexter; grandpa, Tom Cassidy of Tennessee; aunts and uncles, Tammi Pedersen (Matt Routh) of Des Moines, and Brenda Routh (Donald Weesner) of Bondurant, and, Daniel (Jessica) Routh of Iowa; father-in-law, Don Meier of Bouton; mother-in-law, Kelly Lynch of Dawson; brother-in-law, Dustin (Amber) Lynch of Berkley; sisters-in-law, Ashley (Juan) Lynch Alvarez of Perry, and Chelsea Meier of Bouton; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as many other beloved relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Iles Dunn’s Chapel.

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