Photo courtesy of Schrader Funeral Home - Eureka
Eureka, Missouri
Jun 5, 1963 – Dec 29, 2024
Thomas Alan Smith, 61, of Eureka, Missouri lost his short battle with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on December 29, 2024. Tom was a devoted husband and father who dedicated his life to helping others.
Tom moved to Illinois a few years after his birth in Greensburg, Pennsylvania on June 5, 1963. He graduated from Antioch High School, then moved to Belleville, Illinois where he earned an associate’s degree in Fire Science and worked as a firefighter/EMT for the city of Glendale and then the Fenton Fire District before retiring in 2018.
In 1987, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy and they celebrated their 37th anniversary this summer. Their family was made whole with the birth of three sons who were his greatest source of pride.
Tom loved to watch the boys play youth sports and was fortunate to see them mature into caring, responsible and independent young adults. Tom’s passions included completing projects around the house, giving advice to his sons (solicited and unsolicited), watching historical documentaries, supporting Nancy in her career as a teacher, riding his bike, hunting, and taking walks at Route 66 Park with the other girl in his life, Boots.
His love/hate relationship with technology, terrible knowledge of pop culture, minor hoarding tendencies, and infectious laugh will be some of the things his family will miss the most.
Tom was predeceased by his parents Larry and Jackie Smith and his older brother, Mark. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his sons Jordan (Elle), Austin and Blake Smith.
Services: Visitation at the SCHRADER Funeral Home - Eureka, 108 N. Central Avenue, Friday, January 3, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. Private interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Cedar Hill. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
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I was in many classes with Tom at ACHS. He had a wonderful, outgoing personality that always made his fellow classmates laugh. Especially in choir. My condolences to his loving family. Rest in peace Tom.
Michael Hamlin
January 18, 2025 | East Peoria, IL | Classmate
I know from our late-night conversations at conventions the kind of man Tom was, who supported you and your boys so that the broader scope of high school journalism could thrive under your watch. Thank you to him for gifting the significant effort to allow that to happen. It seems that he lived his whole life that way and I'm sorry that he will be missing, except in spirit, from your home. Loving thoughts to you.
Patty Turley
January 05, 2025 | Eugene, OR | Coworker
In loving memory of Tom. He was a wonderful neighbor. My heart is sad for all of you.
Renee & Andy (Dane & Drake) Smola
January 04, 2025 | Wildwood, MO
Dear Smith family, Tom was such a kind and caring soul. His sense of humor made him always fun to be around. Sincere condolences to you Nancy, Jordan, Austin and Blake. I deeply regret that we are unable to attend Tom's service as we are out of state. Much love to you all.
Denise Meyer
January 02, 2025 | Wildwood, MO | Friend
Tom was the kindest man, always volunteering to help with whatever the boys were involved in. He did whatever needed doing like delivering lacrosse nets at LaSalle and readying fields at Buder. He was so warm and friendly, and a wonderful role model for our boys. Nancy, Blake, Austin, and Jordan, we are so sorry for your loss. ❤
Melanie Stout
January 02, 2025 | Richmond, TX | Friend
Not on his crew but I worked with him several times at Fenton. Good guy! My father Ollie had nothing but good things to say about him as well! My condolences!
Robert Pechman
January 02, 2025 | Robertsville, MO | Coworker
What a privilege to know Tom and his beautiful family—Nancy, Jordan, Blake and Austin! I’ve never laughed harder than at those times Tom and Nancy trained their great good humor on something ridiculous. Rest in peace, my friend. I’ll cherish you and our friendship forever.
Alan Sanders
January 02, 2025 | Fox River Grv, IL | Friend
I think the first time I met Tom was when Smitty had us over to the house for an Image staff party some time in the mid-90s, and I remember him sitting and laughing with us on the deck. It was obvious to me as a teenager that this was a good man. Rest in peace, Tom.
Jenny Ingram
January 02, 2025 | Eureka, MO
