Lewis Thomas "Tom" Gish

Lewis Thomas "Tom" Gish, 84, of Sarcoxie, Missouri, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, in the comfort of his own home.

Tom was born on July 22, 1940, in Le Flore, Oklahoma, to Thomas Joel and Velma C. (Boyster) Gish. He spent his early years in Oklahoma and Arkansas before settling in Sarcoxie, Missouri, as a young man. It was there he met the love of his life, Ellen "Marlene" Dreibelbis. The two were married on May 26, 1961, and shared 62 wonderful years together before Marlene's passing in November 2023.

Tom is survived by his two children, Amanda Ann Gish of Webb City, Missouri, and Paul Thomas Gish and wife Cheri of Bozeman, Montana and granddaughter, Hayden Toeniskoetter, also of Bozeman. He is survived by five siblings, sisters Francis Norrid, Joyce Jones, and Oval Unruh, as well as brothers Joe Gish and David Gish. Tom also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and his beloved cat, Homer, who will miss him greatly.

Throughout his life, Tom treasured the many friendships he cultivated. In recent years, he found great comfort and joy in the companionship of close friends Mike Welde and his neighbor Blair McArthur, as well as the camaraderie of his "morning coffee crew."

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marlene; his parents; and siblings: Arvel Gish, Ray Gish, Mary Williams, Margaret Enzy, and Bonnie Abbott.

Tom was a hardworking man with an unwavering work ethic. Tom moved to the Sarcoxie area for a construction job and soon founded his own construction business, spending decades building homes and projects that stood as a testament to his craftsmanship. A true lover of the land, Tom tended a vast garden for many years, nurturing it with care. He enjoyed being outdoors and took pride in keeping grounds well-kept, spending countless hours every summer mowing various area properties.

A man of many interests, Tom enjoyed restoring Jubilee tractors, riding four-wheelers, attending tractor pulls, teaching international visitors about life on his farm, as well as watching NASCAR races and rodeos. He also found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially sharing coffee and conversation at local cafés, with most mornings recently spent at Granny Lee's.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at New Beginnings Nazarene Church in Sarcoxie, with Pastor Eder Aguirre officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City, Missouri.

Honoring Tom as pallbearers will be Paul Gish, Blair McArthur, J.D. Jennett, Joe Gish, Daniel Gish, and Mike Welde. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Carthage Humane Society in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwin.com.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.

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