![\"Thomas](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/thomas-ellis-clemens.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Thomas Ellis Clemens of Kearney, Mo., passed away at home Friday, January 29, 2021.\u00a0 Tom was born on July 29, 1932 to Ellis S. and LaRue Clemens (Robeson) in Ray County, Missouri.\u00a0 He was baptized into the Christian faith at New Hope Methodist Church on December 1, 1940.<\/p>\n
Tom spent part of his childhood on the farm working with his grandparents because his mother passed away when he was seven.\u00a0 This is where he developed the love of gardening and hard work.\u00a0 Tom grew into adulthood with gentleness and compassion for others as a result of the care given him by his Grandma Hulda.<\/p>\n
Tom served in the Korean War during January 1953 to January 1955.\u00a0 When he returned home he married Shirley A. Hardie.\u00a0 To this union two children were born, Michael Thomas and Terri LaRue.\u00a0 Sadly Shirley passed away on August 26, 1986.<\/p>\n
Tom was employed by John Rohr Construction.\u00a0 He worked as a foreman doing heavy construction.\u00a0 He had to take early retirement in 1977 due to a work injury.<\/p>\n
On March 8, 1997, Tom married Phyllis J. Rapp (Paul). \u00a0They began their happily ever after celebrating Tom\u2019s confirmation on December 21, 1997.\u00a0 They enjoyed traveling, time with friends which included a lot of card playing.\u00a0 He always enjoyed the \u201cTop of the Hill\u201d gang!\u00a0 He was also an active member of Faith and Trinity Lutheran Church.<\/p>\n
Tom was preceded in death by two sisters, Joan Sandy and Janet Kay Padgett.<\/p>\n
The Lord called Tom home to be with HIM on January 29, 2021 at the age of 88 years.\u00a0 Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Phyllis; his son, Michael Thomas and wife, Pamela, and his grandchildren, Robert and Courtney, his great grandchildren, Tyler, Justin, Kessler and Breanna;\u00a0 his daughter, Terri LaRue and husband, Jerry, his grandchildren, J.T. and Timothy (Delaney), his great grandchildren, Fallon, Korie, and Marin Sandstrom; his stepdaughter, Denise L. Hilt and husband, Donald, his grandchildren, Heather and Amy Hilt and Katelyn (Danny) Sylva, his great grandchildren, Isaiah and Josephine, Gabriel and Maxwell Sylva; one brother, Samuel Clemens; brother-in-laws, Gary Paddgett and Marlyn Paul and wife, Evelyn; and many family and friends.<\/p>\n
Tom will lie in state from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kearney, Mo.\u00a0 Funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. with burial at Richmond Memory Garden in Richmond, Mo.\u00a0 Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Wounded Warriors.<\/p>\n
Arrangements in care of\u00a0 Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney.<\/p>\n
Phyllis,
\nJerry and I are so sorry for your loss.\u00a0 We really enjoyed Tom and will miss him.
\nJerry and Sharon Wallen<\/p>\n
Mike and Terri, I am sorry to hear you have lost your dad. Both Shirley and Tommy were a part of my life growing up in Richmond and a valued part of our clan. My mom, your Aunt Margie, loved all her nieces and nephews and her great nieces and nephews! Blessings to you and your family.
\nLove, Susan<\/p>\n
Dear Phyllis, Richard and I are so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Please accept our condolences. Praying for God’s blessings for you all.
\nLove, Kathy and Richard
\nPhyllis and Family. So sorry for your sorrow while thrilled for Tom to be with Jesus!\u00a0 May you each be comforted in a unique way that brings peace and blessings.
\nCole and Connie Oliphant<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
![\"image_print\"](\"https:\/\/brossspidlemonuments.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/pdf-print\/images\/print.png\" "\\"Print")
<\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"