Thomas Edward Salyers

Thomas Edward Salyers, the youngest of two sons of Flora Mae (Fickel) and Thomas Lawrence Salyers, was born on November 10, 1926 in Malvern, Iowa. Tommy grew up and attended school in Malvern, graduating from Malvern High School in 1944. He attended one year of college at Iowa State in Ames, Iowa. He returned to Malvern to go into partnership with his father in the Allis Chalmers and farm management business in January 1946. He owned and operated Salyers Implement for 67 years, selling and repairing Allis Chalmers farm machinery and in the mid-60's he switched to the Allis Chalmers lawn equipment. He first worked out of a small alleyway building just off 4th Street west of Main Street before moving his business into the old lumberyard building on East 4th Street.

Tommy and Cleta Ruth McClurg were married on August 19, 1947 in Blair, Nebraska. They made their home in Malvern and their marriage was blessed with two sons, Thomas Randall and Roger John.

Tommy was a member of the Malvern United Methodist Church and the Malvern Commercial Club. He had served on the Malvern City Council and Boy Scout Review Board and was proud that both his sons and grandson achieved their Eagle ranks.

Tommy enjoyed dancing, reading, hunting, traveling and camping, collecting Allis Chalmers toys and memorabilia, had a great interest in old cars, especially Ford Mustangs, which he restored and collected. Many of his cars have been used during the annual homecoming parades downtown. Tommy found time to work on beautiful stained glass projects which were hung in his shop, assisted Cleta with her many FHA trips, and helped decorate their home for their annual Christmas open house each year. On nice sunny days, Tommy could be seen driving one of his cars, wearing his "Gatsby" hat and cruising Malvern with Cleta by his side. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and a good friend.

Tommy and Cleta were married 65 years when Tommy passed away at the Glen Haven Home in Glenwood, Iowa on February 8, 2013, at the age of 86 years, 2 months, and 28 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother Joseph Salyers.

Tommy is survived by his beloved wife Cleta Salyers of Malvern; sons, Randy Salyers and wife Marti of Council Bluffs, IA, and Roger Salyers and wife Barb of Malvern; grandchildren, Missy Cooper and husband Mark of Council Bluffs, Abbey Schmeisser and husband Jeff of Denver, CO, Katie Santee and husband James of Papillion, NE, Jon Salyers and wife Stacy of Glenwood, and Kristi Salyers of La Vista, NE; four great granddaughters, Rachael, Aisley, Sydney, and Natalie (with one great grandbaby on the way); sister-in-law Rosemary Salyers of Key Largo, FL; other relatives; and many friends.

Memorials suggested to the Malvern Volunteer Fire Department or Malvern Cemetery Association.

Interment in the Malvern Cemetery.

Loess Hills Funeral Home of Malvern in charge of arrangements.