Obituary

Thomas Lee Tovrea, 77, of Waukee, Iowa, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, in Des Moines. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Waukee Cemetery. Following the service, a celebration of Tom’s life will take place at 12:00 PM at Merll’s Pub & Patio in Waukee. Family and friends are warmly invited to join in honoring Tom and raising a glass in his memory. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.ilesfuneralhomes.com. Iles Westover Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Thomas (Tom) Lee Tovrea was born on February 7, 1948, at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Merll and Irene (Cox) Tovrea.

A proud 1966 graduate of Waukee High School, Tom was a standout student-athlete, competing in basketball, baseball, and track. He was crowned homecoming king his senior year.

After high school, Tom attended Grand View College before answering the call to serve his country. From 1969 to 1972, he served with honor in the United States Navy aboard the USS Long Beach (CGN-9), a nuclear-powered missile cruiser and the USS Badger (FF-1071) stationed off the coast of Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War.

Following his service in the Navy, Tom worked as an electrician for more than 30 years with Brown Brothers, Baker Electric, and the Waukee School District. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 347. After retiring from the trade, he was a school bus driver for Waukee Schools—always finding purpose in supporting the next generation.

A true public servant, Tom devoted himself to the betterment of his beloved hometown of Waukee. He believed in giving back and instilled that same principle in his children. Over the years, he served as a youth basketball coach from the 1980s through 2002, a member of the Waukee City Council, and a volunteer with the Waukee Fire Department. He contributed to countless civic boards and committees, including Streets, Utilities, Safety, and Parks and Recreation. At Waukee High School, he was a fixture in the community, volunteering with the booster club and serving for many years as the voice of the Waukee Warriors as the public address announcer for football and basketball games.

In 2004, the Waukee City Council honored Tom as Citizen of the Year, recognizing his “long-term dedication and service to the community,” as noted by the city’s mayor.

Tom was a member of Gnemeth Lodge #577 of the Freemasons in West Des Moines and a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waukee.

Tom loved golfing and was a lifelong supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes and all Hawkeye teams. Tom’s loyalty to Iowa was unmistakable—right down to the Tiger Hawk tattoo he sported.

Tom’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his sons from his marriage to the love of his life Randa Oxenford—Travis (Michelle), Zeth (Carlie), and Zach (James)—and four grandchildren who brought Papa Tom immense joy: Vayda, Vale, Sage, and Knox. He is also survived by his sister Marylin (Bruno) Andreini, and several beloved nieces, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

The significance of Independence Day as the date of Tom’s passing will not be lost on those who knew him. It was a fitting day for someone who so deeply loved his country and community. Tom exemplified service throughout his life, including the years he spent organizing Waukee’s Fourth of July celebrations. Independence Day was his favorite holiday because it reflects the spirit with which he lived.

The family thanks the staff at Kavanagh House Hospice for their compassionate, kind and loving care of Tom and his family in his final days. In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Tom’s memory to either a veteran’s charity or an organization that is dedicated to making your local community better.

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