Thomas William Tiefel

Thomas William Tiefel, 80, of North Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, at Arkansas Hospice in Little Rock surrounded by family and friends. Tom was born at home on April 4, 1932, in Brazil, Indiana to Albert and Cleo Gettle Tiefel. He graduated from Cory High School and from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana with a degree in agriculture. Tom spent two years in the United States Army, and during a brief teaching career, Tom met his wife of 53 years, Joan Todd Tiefel. He began his career with Olin Corporation where he worked for well over 30 years. Tom, an agricultural expert, continued to work in the field as a consultant and served on the Southwest Fertilizer Conference Board for many years after retirement. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, North Little Rock and a 32nd degree Mason. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Cleo Tiefel, of Brazil, Indiana and his only son, Todd William Tiefel. Survivors include his wife, Joanie Tiefel of North Little Rock; two sisters, Mary Lewis of Greencastle, Indiana, June Lawson of Brazil, Indiana and a brother Jerry (Karen) Tiefel of Brazil. He is also survived by his two daughters, Jane Tiefel, Mary Beth (Trent) Cox of North Little Rock; a daughter-in-law, Lisa Bruns Tiefel of Conway and his five grandchildren: Charity and Chloe Cox of North Little Rock; Abby, Ally, and John Tiefel of Conway, Arkansas. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, and a host of close friends.Tom, a lifelong Methodist, loved God and his family. He had a strong work ethic and always tried to do the right thing. He always enjoyed a family gathering (and there were many) with games, fun, and laughs. He never met a stranger. His traveling job took him from one coast to the other, meeting lifelong friends along the way. He especially enjoyed the annual Thanksgiving trips to Branson, Missouri with his family. He enjoyed horses and especially his horse, Trigger. His passion was sports. He was an accomplished basketball player in high school, enjoyed a round of golf and would always be ready for a fishing trip with friends at Calico Rock. He followed his first love, the Purdue Boilermakers and loved the Arkansas Razorbacks. He was a big fan of the Indianapolis 500 mile Race. He enjoyed spending time on his boat at the lake with family and friends. As his health declined, he continued to "be in charge" from his sitting position at his home. We could always count on a list of "to dos," "Buddy," as the grandchildren called him, was a doting grandfather and would always welcome a visit. He always offered advice - they could count on it. His grandchildren were the light of his life. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, August 3, at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Little Rock, 501-791-7400. Funeral services will be at 12 noon on Saturday, August 4, at First United Methodist Church, 6701 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Little Rock, 501-835-2201. Interment will be at Rest Hills Memorial Garden, 7724 Landers Road, No. Little Rock, 501-835-3515. Pallbearers will be Tom Butler, Joe Eddleman, Ray Keller, Ken Kirspel, Presley Melton, Jerry Tiefel, John Tiefel, and Leon Yielding. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Cox, Trent Cox, Connie Kern, Lance Robuck, Rocky Robuck, John L. Robuck, Freddie Zakrzewski, Jr. and members of the Walter's Seekers Sunday School Class. The family would like to thank the caring medical team that accompanied him on his journey as well as Home Instead, North Little Rock and the compassionate care in Tom's final days at Arkansas Hospice, Little Rock, Arkansas. Memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church, 6701 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, Arkansas, 72116 or Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.