Tommy Joe Chenoweth, 80, of Ottumwa, died November 2, 2025 at Serenity House Hospice in Oskaloosa.
He was born November 16, 1944 in Lancaster, MO to Charles and Esther E. Saulsbury Chenoweth. Tom married Janice Marie Green on June 3, 1978 and she preceded him in death on April 10, 2024.
A graduate of Davis County High School in 1962, Tom earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in teaching from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College. He later earned a Master’s degree in Industrial Technology.
Tom started his teaching career in Fremont, moving to Clear Creek Amana and later Russell. Moving to Ottumwa where he taught the majority of his career, he taught a short time at Washington Junior High, Walsh where he coached girls basketball. The majority of his career he taught at Evans and Ottumwa High School, teaching Industrial Tech and Drivers Education. Tom was named in the Who’s Who of teaching and retired in 2006 after 40 years.
Tom had been a member of First United Methodist Church and was a certified lay speaker.
He was an avid woodworker, was an exhibitor at the Wood Expo held at the Ottumwa Colosseum and also cut and sold firewood. In his youth, Tom raced amateur motorcycles. Tom enjoyed coaching his daughter’s softball teams and coaching his son’s baseball team. He enjoyed attending motorcycle races with his son and also enjoyed fishing as well as hunting.
Surviving are his children, Allison (Mike) Chenoweth McGurn of Cedar Rapids and Alex Chenoweth of Ottumwa; and a sister-in-law, Deborah Thatcher of Poplar Bluff, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Karen Cassill.
Visitation is open at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 4th, at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 5th, at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Reeves officiating
Burial will be in the Corydon Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice House or to the family.
