Thomas E. Brighton April 15, 1949 – July 12, 2023

      Thomas E. Brighton, 74, of Monticello, Iowa passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his girls, due to complications of Agent Orange.

    Visitation was held from 3 – 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello.  Visitation continues at Peace United Church of Christ from 9 - 10 a.m. prior to funeral services.

    Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 17, 2023 at Peace United Church of Christ. Burial followed in Oakwood Cemetery in Monticello.  Pastor Frank Shepherd Jr. officiated.

    Tom was born April 15, 1949 in Monticello, Iowa, the son of Thomas A. and Gladys (Tobias) Brighton.  He married Alice J. Takes on Sept. 1, 1973 in Monticello.

    Tom graduated from Monticello High School in 1967 and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969. Tom was a mortar gunner for the 2^nd/34^th Armor and received many awards during his time of service. Upon returning home from service, he returned to work for Energy Manufacturing Inc. in Monticello. He retired in 2005. His many hobbies included, photography, fishing, camping, and woodworking. Tom shared his love of softball through coaching and umpiring. He cherished time with his friends and family, especially attending his grandkids’ events.

    Survivors include his wife of nearly 50 years, Alice; children, Ann (fiance, Derek Smith) Brighton of Oelwein, Brenda (Greg) Helmuth, Crystal (Justin) Cole, both of Maynard; grandchildren, Brennan Cole, Caylee Cole, Thomas Helmuth; siblings, Linda Rose of Anamosa, Karen Wadlington of Cedar Rapids, Roger (Pat) Brighton of Monticello; in-laws, L.J. Takes, Jean Takes, Joan (Dan) Manternach, Pat Beckman, Mary Kay (Ron) Ackermann, all of Monticello, Carolyn (Jerry) Manternach of Anamosa, Darlene (Steve) Wilcox of Monticello, Sally (Jeff) Sawyers of Marshalltown, Tom (Mary) Takes of Cedar Rapids, Alan (Liz) Takes of Cascade, Carl (Jan) Takes of Anamosa, Charlie "Tuna" Takes of Monticello, Robbie Takes of Anamosa, Bill (Vicki) Takes of Monticello; and many nieces and nephews.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Lloyd and Elda (Otting) Takes; in-laws, Bob Rose, Dave Wadlington, Joe Takes, Marie Takes, and Loretta Beckman.

    The family would like to thank the staff at Above & Beyond Hospice for their compassionate care.

    Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to the family, (in care of Kramer Funeral Home) 700 E Oak St, Monticello, Iowa 52310.