Obituary of Philbert F. Tomas

Philbert F. Tomas, 80 of rural Oxford, passed away Thursday, November 6. 2008, at his home from cancer, surrounded by his loving family, cared for by the great souls of Iowa City Hospice. Services celebrating the life of Philbert will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 10, 2008, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oxford, with burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Oxford. Visitation will be from 2-5pm Sunday, at the church where a vigil service will be at 5pm. Memorial donations can be made in Philbert’s memory to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Iowa City Hospice or the Old Creamery Theater in Amana. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Philbert was born in the back of a wagon on November 10, 1927, the son of John and Blanche (Becicka) Tomas. Philbert attended a one room school house near Greencastle in Iowa. Philbert and LaVon (Sebetka) were married on August 5, 1958, in Fairfax, Iowa. They lived on a farm in rural Oxford where they raised their family. Philbert farmed for many years, he also worked as a seed corn salesman, repaired tires for Homestead Tire, and mowed at the Amana Gold Course. He enjoyed many years of card club, bowling, watching and reading westerns, going to dances, and spending time with his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Philbert was always quick to smile and tell a story, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Philbert’s family includes his loving wife of 50 years, LaVon; their two sons, Donald (Bets) Tomas and Steven (Amy) Tomas all of Oxford; adopted daughters, Tammy (Larry) Smith of Conroy, Iowa and Dawn Tomas of Oxford; twelve grandchildren, Zachary Tomas, Rachel, Whitley, Clinton, Christopher, Tanner and Aiden Tomas, Alysha, Lucas and Shelby Smith, Amber Wolter and Tammie Sue Tomas; and many longtime friends. Philbert was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leo Tomas; sisters, Emily Phillip and Helen Whitcomb. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Oxford and Iowa City is caring from Philbert’s family and his services.