KEYSTONE-Thomas "Papa" Umbarger, age 61, of Keystone, died on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at his home in rural Keystone due to a lengthy illness. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 1:00 PM at the Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama with Father Jack McClure officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in rural Keystone. Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 1 2008 from 4-7 PM at the Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama.
Thomas "Papa" Umbarger was born on March 28, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Cecil and Sylvia (Ross) Umbarger.
He received his GED from Boystown in Omaha, NE and his degree from Kirkwood Community College. Thomas served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
On August 9, 1969, he married Mary Grelk in St. Paul, Iowa.
Thomas was formerly a service manager at Martin Brothers Equipment in Cedar Rapids for many years. He was also a truck driver. He currently was a self-employed scrap metal recycler. Thomas was a member of the American Legion and Teamsters. He enjoyed cooking, sewing and animals. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and family.
Preceding him in death were his parents, one grandson, Johnny J. Garcia Jr; two sisters, Gloria Stout and Nancy Seeman.
Survivors include his wife, Mary of Keystone; four daughters, Shannon (Alvin) Kite of Harlan, Shana Umbarger of Carthage, IL, Tonia (Chad Havens) Umbarger of Clutier, Tara (Johnny) Garcia of Keystone; one adopted daughter, Stacey Vileta of Keystone; eleven grandchildren; two sisters, Cindy (Mike) Herman of Belle Plaine and Glenda (Randy Smith) Geske of Cedar Rapids; two brothers, Robbie Bolyard of Marion and Tim Bolyard of Marion; many nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews.
A memorial fund has been established.