Thomas Anthony TEALE, Jr., the son of Anthony TEALE, Sr. and Leota (HOUSE) TEALE, he was born in Mount Ayr, Iowa, on November 7, 1925. He was one of three children, his brother being Clifford Dean TEALE, and his sister Rose Marie TEALE.

After his mother died in 1932, the family moved to the home of Thomas' grandparents, Charles and Teresa (RAUCH) TEALE. Teresa inspired the TEALE children to excel in life and to exercise self-discipline. She also gave them loving care.

Thomas entered first grade at Mount Ayr when he was four-years-old. He graduated from Mount Ayr High school in 1943. Thomas received recognition at the state level and was named to the all-conference football team of the Blue Grass Conference during his senior year.

Thomas and Helen Lucille BROWN were married and became the parents of two children, Leota Marie LIPOVAC and Thomas Anthony TEALE III. After Helen died, Thomas married Jean RUTHERFORD.

In December of 1943, Thomas was inducted into the U.S. Army at Camp Dodge. Upon the completion of his training at Camp Fanin in Texas, he was tranferred to Fort Benning in Georgia where he was assigned to Company M of the 14th Infantry Regiment of the 71st Infantry Division. In 1943, he and his Division landed in LaHarve, France, entering the first combat phase in the attack of Strasboug. He was assigned to the 7th Army of Lt. General PATCH, remaining with this assignment until their arrival at the east bank of the Rhine River in Germany. The Division was then re-assigned to the 3rd Army under General George S. PATTON, remaining under this assignment throughout the remainder of their time in Europe. During the occupation of German, Thomas and his Division were assigned to Bavaria, Germany. Thomas returned to the United States in April of 1946 and was discharged from duty at Camp Atterberry, Indiana in May. Upon his discharge, Thomas returned to Mount Ayr.

In 1952, Thomas elisted in the Iowa Army National Guard. Due to his military experience during World War II, he received a direct commission as a Second Lieutenant in the infantry and was assigned as Platoon Leader of the Defense Platoon Headquarters Company, 34th Infantry Division. During his career with the Iowa Army National Guard, Thomas served as Company Commander, Staff Officer at the battalion and brigade level, Assistant Chief of Staff at the brigade level, Battalion Commander and Brigade Commander, and his final assignment as Camp Dodge Training Site Commander. He retired from the Iowa Army National Guard in 1982 as Brigadier General.

Upon his discharge after serving in World War II, Thomas attended Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa, graduating in 1950 with a B.A. degree, majoring in physical education, sociology, and history. While at Simpson, Thomas lettered in football in his junior and senior years, was a member of the "S" club and Kappa Theta PSI Fraternity. In 1962, Thomas was nominated by Simpson College for the Double "S" award for his activities during his college career and professional achievements after his graduation.

In 1951, Thomas joined the Des Moines Police force. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1958; Lieutenant in 1962; Captain in 1965; and Assistant Chief in 1970. Throughout his career, Thomas was assigned to various units, sections, and divisions of the police department, gaining a wealth of experience and knowledge from each assignment. After 41 years of service, Thomas retired as Assistant Chief of Police in 1991.