Tom was born the son of Jasper and Fern (Flynn) Yow in Clarksville, Arkansas on August 29, 1947. He graduated from Lamphere High School, class of 1965. In the fall of 1965, he was drafted to the US Army. After basic training he was deployed to Vietnam. Tom was wounded during his military service and received 2 Purple Hearts. He was honorably discharged from the US Army on October 4, 1968.
Tom married Rheta Smith on October 12, 1968 at the Clawson Church of Christ in Clawson, Michigan. Tom and Rheta lived in Troy, Michigan where they raised their family for 25 years. Tom had a career in industrial sales for many years before becoming the Vice President of Lobb Humidifier in Troy, Michigan.
Tom was a deacon for many years at the Clawson Church of Christ in Clawson, Michigan. He also served as an elder at the Waterford Church of Christ in Waterford, Michigan. Tom’s favorite pastime was playing baseball. He was an excellent baseball player and played in several leagues at a time. Tom was really great at all sports. He especially loved bowling and horseshoes. However, the times he loved the most were spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Rheta Yow; children Lorrie (Kurt) Bettendorf, Karrie Yow, and Marcie (Craig) Spinneweber; grandchildren Madelyn, Myranda, Mallary and Julia.
Tom’s family invites everyone to a visitation on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at noon at Pixley Funeral Home, located at 322 W. University Drive in downtown Rochester, Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America online at www.pva.org.
