Thomas L. Kuhn

Thomas (Tom) L. Kuhn, 88, Neosho, MO, passed into eternal rest March 10, 2026, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, MO after an illness.

Thomas Ladean Kuhn was born November 26, 1937, in Newton County, MO the son of Thomas A. (Gus) and Helen L. (Bettis) Kuhn.

Tom was a lifelong area resident. He graduated from Seneca High School in 1955. Tom served his country in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1962. Enlisting under the buddy system with his best friend, Dean Taylor, they made it through basic training before being separated. His last assignment was as an Aviation Mechanic at the Naval Air Station in Keflavik, Iceland for a year. He had many stories of his time serving there. While he was quick to tell you he served in peacetime only, he was proud of his Naval service.

Thomas Ladean Kuhn married Patricia "Patty" Ruth Wehmeier on June 28, 1963, in Seneca, MO and she preceded him in death on October 29, 2022.

Tom worked for the former BF Goodrich plant in Miami, OK for over 24 years until its shutdown. He then went to work at Joplin Building Material until he retired at the age of 62. Tom also raised cattle & various farm animals over the years. He enjoyed being outdoors working on the farm, mowing on his riding lawnmower, going fishing and camping at Roaring River State Park. He loved the annual hunting trips to Montana and at last count had gone over 45 times. It wasn't really about hunting, but the friends that became family over the years. He also enjoyed watching Western movies, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs & Mizzou football in his later years when the outside work proved more difficult. He enjoyed collecting old tools & pocketknives, giving away many in the last few years.

Tom loved his savior, Jesus Christ, and serving him in all aspects of life. He was a lifelong member of Bethel Baptist Church, Seneca, where he served as a Deacon for 56 years. He was faithful to attend every service and made lifelong friendships with former pastors and members. He & Patty loved Southern Gospel quartet music and watching their music videos & attending concerts.

Survivors include one son, Tony Kuhn, Butner, NC; two daughters, Leslie Kuhn, Neosho and Lisa Kuhn, Seneca; one sister Phyllis Davis, Seneca; one brother, Dennis (Denny) Kuhn, Wyandotte, OK; and a host of nieces, nephews, & extended family and friends. While not having any biological grandchildren, he & Patty claimed and treasured many great nieces & nephews and children from church or babysitting as their own grandchildren.

Preceding Tom in death were his parents Gus and Helen Kuhn; his brother Larry "Butch" Kuhn and an infant brother Morris Kuhn.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 5 pm, Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Monday, March 16, 2026 at Bethel Baptist Church with Charles Jennings, Fred Mills and Ty Dawson officiating. Burial will be in Kirk Cemetery with Caleb Davis, Larry Dodson, Dusty Kuhn, Bradley Louden, Wayne Ritter and Jacob Steele serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of Bethel Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Bethel Baptist Church in care of the Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, PO Box 380 Seneca, MO, 64865.