Oskaloosa, Iowa - Thomas (Tommy) L. Gillespie passed away on Sunday, September 7 at Mayo Clinic Hospital.

Tom was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa on November 8, 1949 to Bernice VandeLune Gillespie and Robert M. Gillespie. He spent most of his life in Oskaloosa. He grew up playing Babe Ruth baseball and many school sports. Tom graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1968. He was a pole vaulter in high school and at Simpson College. In August of 1971, Thomas and Martha Sedrel were married. They had two children - Aaron Thomas and Anne Lee. After graduating from Simpson, he accepted a position teaching science and coaching at Oskaloosa Junior High School. During his four years of teaching, he earned his Masters Degree at NE Missouri State University. Soon after, he was offered a position at Oskaloosa Home Loan and Savings where he worked as a loan officer for 29 years.

During his years in the community, Tom served on the YMCA Board and on the Oskaloosa Community School Board. He was a member of St. Paul Congregational United Church of Christ, Sons of the American Legion, the Eagles, and the Oskaloosa Elks Club. Tom was an avid golfer and sports fan.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his wife Marti, his son Aaron (Jeannie Boles), his daughter Anne (Lloyd Johnson), his grandchildren Alex and Anna, his twin brother Terry (Rita) and nephew Garret and many other caring family and friends.

Visitation will begin at 1:00, September 18th at St. Paul Congregational U.C.C., 501 High Ave. E., Oskaloosa. Service to follow at 2:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Congregational U.C.C. or Oskaloosa Schools (memo line - Tom Gillespie Memorial).