Thomas Joseph Gray

Thomas Joseph Gray was born on July 29, 1953, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Donald Emmet and Mary Kathryn (Lynch) Gray. He passed away on November 3, 2025, at his home, following a brave and dignified struggle with cancer.

Tom was a proud graduate of Visitation Catholic School and Dowling Catholic High School (Class of 1971), where he was a member of the wrestling team. He went on to attend Grand View College, playing for the baseball team and forming lifelong friendships. His passion for the game continued through the family’s recreational softball team, “The 810 Club,” which remains active today. The City of Des Moines honored the team for 50 years of continuous participation in recreational softball — a legacy now carried on by Tom’s nephews and friends.

From a young age, Tom and his siblings learned the value of hard work, shoveling sidewalks, mowing lawns, and delivering newspapers throughout their neighborhood. This dedication shaped his strong work ethic, which he carried into his career as a route salesman for FW Means/Aramark.

Tom found great joy in fishing trips to Canada with his siblings and friends, including one last memorable trip in October. He faced his illness with remarkable strength, grace, and a quiet resilience that inspired all who knew him. Though his passing leaves a deep void, his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now “catching the big one” in heaven. He will forever be in their hearts.

Tom is lovingly survived by his daughter, Jayme (Chad) Millhollin, and grandsons Max and Jack Millhollin; his siblings Bill (Ann) Gray, Ron Gray, Rebecca Dank, Jerry (Vickie) Gray, and Jill (Dave) Snell. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Ryan, and brothers Don and Jack.

Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m., Monday, November 24, 2025 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2926 Beaver Ave., Des Moines, IA with Mass of Christian Burial following at 10:00 a.m. CASUAL DRESS REQUESTED

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Dowling Catholic High School or Wesley Life at Home Hospice.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Wesley Life at Home Hospice nurses and staff for their compassionate care during Tom’s illness, and to dear friend Dave Bonke of Canada, whose friendship and support brought great comfort on Tom’s final fishing trip.