Thomas Lee Umble was born April 18, 1950, to Harold and Erma (Meritt) Umble, in Knoxville, Iowa.

Tom attended the Otley Schools. He worked collecting copper and all scrap metals, and was known as the "copper king," and the "Otley Mayor."

Tom enjoyed picking up the mail for the Otley Co-op and hung around and played cards there. He was a gentle soul, who always had something good to say about everyone, he was a great listener and keeper of secrets. Tom loved to sing karaoke to "Ring of Fire",  yodeling music, and telling jokes.

Those left to cherish his memory are his brother Jim and Karen Umble of Harvey, sister Chery and Drew Schmidt of Monroe, sister-in-law Linda Umble of Pella, many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Erma Umble, brother Greg Umble, and sister Carol Umble.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family for a park bench in the Otley playground.