Mr. Tom W. Smith Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Tommy “Tom” or “Thomas” Wilburn Smith died in his home on February 15, at age 74, surrounded by his family. Tom was born at home January 18, 1945 in Canaan, MO to Clarence “Everett” and Ava (Foley) Smith. He spent his early years in Owensville. He attended Union High School and went on to graduate from South East Missouri State University. Tom was an Army veteran stationed in Germany (1966-1969). After completing his tour of duty, Tom continued to serve his community as a Teacher and businessman until his retirement. He fell in love with Ruth Ann Buchholz and united in marriage on August 10, 1979. Together, they raised three children in a home filled with love and laughter. Tom had a smile and presence that lit up a room. In his many travels across the nation and world, no one was a stranger to Tom. He had the heart of a poet and a thirst for knowledge; Tom was an avid reader and enjoyed a good discussion about current events. From letters to the editor to protests against gun violence, Tom stood up for what he believed in. He twice ran for state office because he believed people deserved a choice in their democracy. Tom was a lifelong advocate for equality – marching first in 1969 for civil rights in Cairo, IL up to 2014’s Journey for Justice from Ferguson to Jefferson City. Tom also cared deeply about veteran’s rights; he felt humbled and honored to accompany two wartime veterans to Washington, DC through Franklin County Honor Flight. He was a member of American Legion Post 218 and Knights of Columbus. Tom was kind, generous and invested in his community. He believed everyone deserved the opportunity to learn and served as an officer of several teacher organizations including the East Central MNEA-R and the state MNEA-R executive board. Always on the go, across Tom’s life he enjoyed tennis, handball, racquetball, and golf; most recently one could see Tom biking around town with Folks on Spokes, wearing one of his Hawaiian shirts. Tom is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Ruth Ann; children Rebecca Smith and partner K. Cross of Minneapolis; Nathaniel Smith, wife Lindsey LaBore and grandchild Nova Mae of Minneapolis; and Gregory Smith of Kansas City; his brother Larry and sister-in-law Joann Smith of Union; siblings-in-law Kathy Buchholz, Tom and Jennifer Buchholz, Don and Sharon Buchholz, Cindy Buchholz and Brad Hale; many nieces and nephews; and a legion of friends and people whose lives were forever changed by knowing him. Tom is preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws; his half-brother Johnny and sister-in-law Evelyn; and brother-in-law James Buchholz. A visitation will be held at Oltmann Funeral Home, 508 E 14th Street, Washington, MO 63090, Wednesday, February 20, 2019 from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm. There will be an American Legion Service at 6:30 pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 5 Scenic Drive, Washington, MO 63090 at Thursday, February 21, at 11:00 am. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Franklin County Honor Flight, P.O. Box 60, Union, MO 63084 (www.fchonorflight.org) and Neighbors United – Undoing Racism, c/o Peace Lutheran Church — ELCA, 5 Scenic Drive, Washington, MO 63090. A Buchholz Mortuary West Service.

Mr. Tom W. Smith

January 18, 1945 - February 15, 2019