Tommy Lamb

Tommy Lamb, 79 of Marshalltown, Iowa and formerly of Chelsea, Iowa, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home on the morning of March 3, 2023.

A celebration of life for Tommy will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. A private family burial will take place at a later date. Memorials in Tommy’s name may be directed to his family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Tom was born January 19, 1944 in Belle Plaine, Iowa, the Son of George W. “Dutch” Lamb and Naida (Oliphant) Lamb. Tom was raised on the family farm in rural Chelsea, and attended Chelsea Public Schools. He graduated with the Tama High School class of 1962. During his high school years Tom developed a love of flying and obtained his private pilot’s license.

Upon graduation from high school Tom attended Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While at Spartan he obtained his commercial pilot license and mechanic’s license. He subsequently taught as an instructor at Spartan for a short time.

In 1966 Tom was hired by United Airlines as a flight engineer. Over the next 38 years Tom continued to work at United and eventually reached the Pinnacle of commercial aviation as a Senior Captain on the 747. He retired from United in 2003.

Tom proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1967-69. Tom spent a year of service in Vietnam and reached the rank of SPEC-5. For his service he received the Army Commendation Medal.

Upon returning from Vietnam, Tom initially settled in McHenry, Illinois and resumed his job with United. He eventually returned to the family farm in Chelsea and continued to farm with his father and brother, while raising his children, Jacob and Kourtney. Due to health concerns, he retired from farming in 1997.

Tom was united in marriage to Donna Walters on June 22, 2002. The couple initially resided in Chelsea before moving to Marshalltown in 2006. The couple enjoyed traveling in their RV and spent many winters in Texas. Anyone who knew Tom knew that he had to stay busy. In his later years he constantly tackled household projects. Tom also enjoyed woodworking and was constantly working on projects in his shop. He was very talented and could fix just about anything. He took great pride in his work.

Tom was fiercely patriotic and incredibly proud of his military service. He was involved in the American Legion and VFW. He was passionate about Veterans affairs and served on the Marshall County Veterans Affairs Commission for the past 5 years.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, George and Naida Lamb, in 1985 and brother Jon Lamb in 1992. Tom is survived by his wife of 22 years, Donna, Son Jacob Lamb and Daughter Kourtney Buchholz, both of St. Louis, MO. He is also survived by grandson’s Jackson and Nicholas Buchholz of St. Louis, MO, step son Danny Walters of Broomfield, CO and step daughter Dana Walters of Tama. In addition he was survived by sisters Janice More of Marshalltown, Ellen Knoop of Dysart, and Jean Vos of Buckeye, AZ. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was especially fond of his two dogs, Lucy Lou and Lacy Lynn.

-lovingly written by Tommy’s family