Thomas Lee Gaddie

Tom was lifted above with absolute conviction. Cooper DeJean in no way signaled for a fair catch. Cooper returned that ball to the house and it was game over. Period and end of conversation. Tom loved all sports, especially the Hawkeyes and the Cubs.

Playing high school basketball alongside legendary sharpshooter Joe Keith for Little Delhi had an 88-9 record. Tom continued playing into his 70’s and was part of three senior Iowa tournament champions, as well as participating in several senior national championships.

Tom started playing town team baseball and softball at 14 with hard-hitting Ray Reth. Tom had a long career in fastpitch softball and played in the ISC World Tournament in four different decades and was on three ISC State Tournament champions and four ISC travel league winners. Among his Cedar Rapids teams were Robinson Wholesale, Happitime, Collins Radio, and the Eastside Maidrite.

Tom proudly served in the Army, stationed at Kaiserslautern, West Germany. Communication was his specialty, and he next went on to Collins Radio, starting in teletypes and retiring decades later in test equipment.

Tom was a devoted son to Robert and Mildred (Grapes) Gaddie. Tom’s mother was a dedicated teacher. She continued teaching for another 40 years after having Tom as a recalcitrant student. He was also reunited with his two wives, Marsha and Joy. Greeting him in heaven as well were his brother-in-law, the good Dr. Bruce Swinburne and lifelong friend and Ryan native Jerry O’Brien.

Tom leaves behind two fantastic sisters, Mary Lou Swinburne, and Wanda Reedy, who spent their careers in education. Tom has two grandchildren, Bennett Gaddie and Leah Gaddie, who could never get enough of their grandfathers’ stories. Tom had three nephews, Kraig, Eric, and Keith, and special niece, kindergarten teacher Wendy. Tom couldn’t have asked for a better brother-in-law than Harold Reedy. Tom also leaves behind a son and daughter-in-law, who will miss him greatly.

Tom was born on March 4, 1938, in Delhi, Iowa, and if you knew Tom, it was fitting that he passed away on Valentine's Day 2026. Per his wishes, a private burial has already taken place, and his body is resting in Delhi, Iowa.

Thank you to great friends, Marlys Rees, Kelly Mounce, Dan McCune, and Lori Lee Glenn. Everyone thanks hospice as well, but Tom wanted to recognize the people working in the nursing homes, for nowhere near enough compensation. Thank you very much.

Please feel free to offer your condolences at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.