Thomas W. Smith

1945 - 2019

Tommy "Tom" or "Thomas" Wilburn Smith, 74, Washington, died in his home Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, surrounded by his family.

Tom was born at home Jan. 18, 1945, in Canaan, 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 Southeast Missouri State University. Tom was an Army veteran, stationed in Germany from 1966 to 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 was united in marriage Aug. 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, Ill., up to 2014's Journey for Justice from Ferguson to Jefferson City. Tom also cared deeply about veterans' rights; he felt humbled and honored to accompany two wartime veterans to Washington, D.C., through the Franklin County Honor Flight. He was a member of American Legion Post 218 and the 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, Minneapolis, Minn.; Nathaniel Smith, wife Lindsey LaBore, and grandchild Nova Mae, Minneapolis, Minn.; and Gregory Smith, Kansas City; his brother, Larry and sister-in-law Joann Smith, 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 was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws; his half brother, Johnny and sister-in-law Evelyn; and brother-in-law, James Buchholz.

Visitation will be held at Oltmann Funeral Home, 508 E. 14th St., Washington, MO 63090, Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 3 to 7:30 p.m.

A celebration of life service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 5 Scenic Drive, Washington, MO 63090 Thursday, Feb. 21, at 11 a.m.

Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Franklin County Honor Flight, P.O. Box 60, Union, MO 63084 (www.fchonorflight.org) or Neighbors United ^Undoing Racism, in care of Peace Lutheran Church - ELCA, 5 Scenic Drive, Washington, MO 63090.

The Smith family is being served by Oltmann Funeral Home, Washington, and Buchholz Mortuary West, Chesterfield.