Roll Call Tribute

Thomas "Tom" Candler 

February 3, 1945 - March 25, 2024 

Thomas "Tom" Candler, 79, of Davenport, Iowa passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024, at his home surrounded by his devoted family.

Per Tom's wishes, Tom was cremated and insisted on a private family celebration of life which was held on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Rock Island Arsenal with an Honor Guard presentation to represent his 20 years of loyal service as a Major in the United States Army serving in Vietnam.

Thomas was born on February 3, 1945, to Robert and Lois (McFadden) Candler in Santa Maria, CA. He proudly served in the US Army for over 20 years. He was united in marriage to Carol Semsch Jennings on December 22, 1987 in Davenport. Tom was an avid poker player enjoying any Texas Hold 'Em game or tournament he could sign up for always looking for that "Big Win!" In his younger days he enjoyed a good round of golf, a round of beers with his friends and sharing stories that always got bigger, longer, and funnier. At one time he even collected quite a stamp collection but that soon became not as lucrative.

He also loved a good ole fat cigar and a glass of port wine. Five days a week for over 25 years he would go to the Big 10 Mart on 18th and 53rd and have coffee with the same group of men (Al, Pat, Steve) and every day they had the solutions to fix this dying, controlling, greedy, corrupt nation. If you would have put Tom, Al, Pat and Steve in charge of our country, trust me, no one would be coming across our borders, illegally and getting things handed to them without working for it! They were all Real true United States Americans who loved our country and hated what it has been reduced to!

Tom worked for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals back in the late 70s and 80s and was the manager of the Eastern United States and Europe traveling abroad countless times to military hospitals, military bases and consulting with numerous doctors. He was a very well respected man and one that will be missed by his many friends and family. May he rest in peace.

Left to honor his memories are his wife, Carol; children: Christi Candler Phillips (Andy Hill) of Lighthouse Pointe, FL; step-children: Kami (Andy) Wall of Bettendorf and Brooke (Aaron) Thoma of Durant; grandchildren: Ryleigh Phillips; step-grandchildren: Annalise Wall of Grimes, Andrew Wall of Iowa City, Max, Gus, and Louis Thoma all of Durant. His sisters: Terre Beech of Des Moines and Temple Candler of Bullhead City, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and one nephew.