July 12, 1953 - November 17, 2024

Tom was born July 12, 1953 and passed away peacefully at home on November 17, 2024 after a battle with cancer through this year. He was lovingly prayed for and supported by his family, pastors, church, and friends. He was so overcome by all the love poured out!

Tom is preceded in death by his parents Lyn & Ken Deddens and younger brother Dan. He grew up in Webster Groves, MO and has many wonderful memories of family trips to Colorado, Florida, camping and many family gatherings. He loved his mother’s pies especially her mincemeat pie at the holidays.

Tom was baptized as an infant at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church. He grew up enjoying playing baseball, football, ice hockey, and swimming with the Webster Groves swim team, and also enjoyed Boy Scouts accomplishing his Eagle Scout rank. He loved the 2 week Current River Wilderness experience in scouts. He attended the Young Life Group in High school.

After graduating from Webster Groves High School in 1971, Tom got his Bachelor of Science Degree in Geological Engineering from University of Missouri at Rolla in 1975 and was a member of the Sigma Pi Fraternity. Eventually, he went on to earn his Masters Degree from Kansas University in Civil Engineering. Tom worked for private engineering companies as well as the Corps of Engineers for 10 years and Federal Highway Administration for 23 years. After retirement he worked part time at Heart to Heart International.

Tom married his soulmate Ann Reed Deddens in May, 1976. They have four wonderful children, Julia Anderson (Dane), Tim Deddens (Emily), Heather Healy (Luke) and Erik Deddens (Ester). Tom and Ann have 11 beautiful grandchildren. Tom loved helping coach the boys’ various sports teams when they were young, attending all the kid’s events and supporting them in their special areas of interest. He was a faithful, sacrificing, and supporting husband and father. He loved being outdoors skiing, ice skating, fishing and walking. He loved going to the family cabin at Coldwater Outing and Game Preserve in southeast Missouri. Tom loved to study the stars and different stones and rock formations, and was known for his love of bolo ties.

Tom was a member of Christ Church Anglican and loved to serve there in any capacity. Even at home he would tackle any fix it job himself. Ann and Tom were advisors for High School Youth groups over the years at their churches. The family participated in an especially meaningful mission trip to Germany in 1999 with Hillcrest Covenant Church. Tom said he was hesitant to go but then said, “I have been shanghaied by God!” Tom loved teaching Sunday School to 4th graders there for 10 years and taught them like they were college students.

He was an avid reader and loved to study and read the Bible and listen to good Bible teachers. Tom was a deep man of faith and was ready to go meet his Savior in the Celestial City!

He was deeply loved by his soul mate, his children, grandchildren and friends and will be greatly missed.

Memorial Service will be at Christ Church Anglican in Overland Park, KS Tuesday, November 26 at 2:00 p.m.

Recording of service: https://vimeo.com/1031609002

Memorial contributions can be made to Samaritans Purse, Christ Church Benevolence Fund, Rhythm of Grace, or charity of your choice.