Thomas Joseph Stephens
Thomas Joseph Stephens
Thomas Joseph Stephens
1940-2015
Thomas Joseph Stephens, 74, of Maryville, MIssouri, passed away on February 7, 2015.
Tom is survived by wife, Linda Stephens; sons Brett (Kristi), Parkville, Missouri and Bryce (Charity), Liberty, Missouri; brothers, Jim (Mary Anna), Prosper, Texas and Joe (Beverly), Belton, Missouri; and five grandchildren; Julia, Madelyn, Noah, McKenna and Kierra and several nieces and nephews.
Tom was born on November 20, 1940, in Kansas City, Missorui to James Douglas Stephens and Mary Elizabeth Falk.
Tom was a 1958 graduate of Southeast High School in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1968 with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and he was an active member of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity. Tom received his Master’s in Guidance & Counseling from Northwest in 1973.
Tom married the love of his life, Linda Klemme, on July 27, 1968, at the United Methodist Church in Maryville, Missouri. Tom and Linda remained in Maryville where they both dedicated their careers to education. Tom was the Vocational Guidance Counselor and Placement Coordinator for the Northwest Technical School for over 30 years. Tom also dedicated his time and talents coaching football at Maryville High School. In 2000, he was awarded Post-Secondary Counselor of the Year by the Missouri School Counselor Association.
Tom loved all things out-of-doors: hunting, fishing, gardening, tubing, taking care of his animals, and anything else that gave him a reason to be outside when the weather was nice. Above all, he loved the relationships he had with his family, friends, and students. Tom had the natural ability to light up a room with his sense of humor. To his grandchildren, “Papa” was always there with a hug and a smile. He gave to them a true sense of family, friendship, trust and love. He will be missed by all.
Visitation will be held 5:00-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, at First United Methodist Church, Maryville.
Funeral services will also be at the church 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 12, with the burial to follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Maryville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested for the “Tom Stephens Grandchildren Education Fund” c/o Price Funeral Home, 120, East First Street, Maryville, MO 64468.
www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com
