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 One can best describe Tom Fleetwood with the words Unselfish, Generous, Honest, Loving and Kind. Those who
worked with Tom, admired and respected his strength of character and strong convictions. His legendary quick wit
endeared him to all who knew him. A big man with a big heart and a wonderfully warm smile, Tom's circle of friends reached around the globe, many
times over. Tom enriched the lives of those around him. The void he leaves can only be filled by the special memories he leaves behind.
Thomas Edwin Fleetwood was born July 6, 1935, in Columbia, Missouri, to
Professor J. Ross and Bernice Turner Fleetwood. He passed away at the Kaiser Bellflower Medical Center on April 25, 2004. Tom married Della Ann
Blair, a native of Lenox, Iowa, on June 22, 1968, in New York City, NY.
A unique individual, with varied interests and talents, Tom was ordained by
the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as a young man, and briefly pastored a circuit of six rural Missouri churches. He was drafted by the
Green Bay Packers, in 1958, but a severe knee injury prevented a long-term football career. Armed with a BA degree in Speech and Dramatic Arts, Tom
created a role in the Broadway play, "The Yearling" and his television career
included appearances on the "Jerry Lewis Show", "High Chaparral" and the long running series, "Dallas".
Tom was self-employed as a darts consultant / promoter, for 30 years. He
co-founded the American Darts Organization, in 1976, and has served as treasurer of the World Darts Federation for 28 years. Fleetwood attained
global respect as a tournament director and organizer and, together with his
wife Della, attended darts events on five continents. Since 1998, the couple has owned and operated Sundowner Darts, a sports vending company with
locations throughout LA and Orange counties.
Tom joined the Exchange Club of Downey, in 1984. Among his proudest
achievements was founding the local Exchange Club Family Support Center and serving two terms as President of the National Exchange Club
Foundation for the Prevention of Child Abuse. His continued awareness efforts and financial contributions have helped countless families to break the
cycle of child abuse.
Fleetwood was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law and his
older brother, Jim. He is survived by his wife, Della, his younger brother J. Ross, Jr. (Marilyn) of Montgomery City, MO, two nephews, Chauncey
(Marilyn) Fleetwood of Walnut Creek, CA and Stephen (Laura) Fleetwood, and their children, Stephanie and Lillian, of Shawnee, KS.
A "Celebration of Life" is planned at 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 8th, at the
Women's Club of Downey. A Memorial Service will be held, in Columbia, Missouri, at a later date. Interment will be at North Fairview Cemetery, in
Lenox, Iowa.
Memorial donations should be directed to the Exchange Club Family Support
Center, 8320 Iowa Street, Downey, CA 90241 or to the ADO Memorial Scholarship Fund, 230 North Crescent Way #K, Anaheim, CA 92801.
I'm Free
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hands when I heard him call
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that place at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I've savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Life up your heart and share with me
God wanted me now. He set me free.
Author Unknown
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