Thomas Marion Claunch

Thomas (Tom) Marion Claunch, 78, of Warrensburg, Mo, arrived home to be with our Lord during the morning of Monday, September 15th, 2025.

Tom was born on 9/11/1947 in the family home to Leroy and Hazel (Shippy) Claunch in Holden, Mo. Tom was the youngest of 11 children. The family moved to Odessa, Mo, where Tom spent his childhood. After school, Tom joined the Navy. He always had a great respect for all branches of the military, its veterans, and the Bald Eagle that represents our great country. After the Navy, Tom worked for Brown's Service Station, where he built a lifelong friendship with Harry and Ardith Brown, devoting himself to each until their passing. He would eventually take over and operate Scrimenger Oil, T&L Standard, and Tom's Tire and Service. After being a mechanic, he worked for Bomag in Holden assembling paver equipment, then part time at Lowe's in Warrensburg.

Tom is survived by his wife, Janet, of the home. His daughter, Glenda Rasa of Higginsville, and son Troy (Mica) Claunch of Warrensburg. Grandsons John Rechterman of Concordia, Charlie Scheuring of Higginsville, Gauge, Briggs, and Deacon Claunch of Warrensburg, granddaughter Jaimie Schreiman of Alma, Mo. Great granddaughters Carrigan and Adrienne Rechterman, Alma, and great grandson Wyatt Rechterman, Concordia. One brother, John (Judy) Claunch of Kingman, Az, and sister Dorothy Begemann of Lexington, Mo. and numerous nieces and nephews, and two very influential friends, Lonnie Moore and Bill Gravely. And a lifelong friend Anthony Collins Sr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Mark Allen Rasa, sisters Laura Jane Davis, Shirley Zeih, Betty Miller, and Mary Ruth Barker, brothers Robert, Carl Eugene, Jerry Carroll, James (Bud) Claunch.

He received his Lord and Savior on Dec 7th, 1978, and was a member of Grover Park Baptist Church, where he witnessed to many the importance of salvation. We know he walks with the Lord now and that gives us great comfort. His service to family and friends never wavered, and it was known that in times of grief and need he was just a phone call away.

On June 6th, 1975, he married the love of his life, Janet Chapman at The First Baptist Church in Odessa.

Tom and Janet recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. It was not lost on him that Janet was the better in "for better or worse". He parented with a firm hand and strong voice, with the desire that his children become better at life than he was. Many knew Tom as a great mechanic and avid softball player. Summers were spent traveling the state playing in tournaments wearing the lucky number 13, and lots of fishing with friends. Over the years, he had several boats, the last of which was passed on to his grandsons along with his love of fishing. His greatest joy in life was watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren play baseball and softball, basketball, volleyball, football, and golf. His recognizable voice is ingrained in our memories and will forever be missed. He lived for them, attending their activities and events, phone conversations, and just being in their presence gave him immense joy. His quirky hand gestures, jokes played, giving others a hard time, and nicknames given out will be something we long for.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Grover Park Baptist Church in Warrensburg, Missouri. A graveside service will then take place at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Sunset Hill Cemetery in Warrensburg, Missouri with Pastor Jacob Conner officiating.

Pallbearers include Gauge Claunch, Briggs Claunch, Deacon Claunch, Mike Atteberry, Jerry Berry, Anthony Collins and Anthony Collins Jr. Honorary pallbearers include John Rechterman, Charlie Scheuring, Wyatt Rechterman, Carrigan Rechterman, Adrienne Rechterman, Doyle Smith and Rick Moore.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grover Park Baptist Church or UCM Baseball and may be left in care of the funeral home.