Thomas Wesley Short

Thomas Wesley Short, 92 years old, of Independence, Missouri, died January 23, 2026. Tom was born in Greenwood, MO and grew up in Osceola. As a young adult, Tom moved to Kansas City and met Sue, the love of his life, at a football game in Pleasant Hill when visiting his parents. He was head over heels from the first moment and they celebrated 65 years of marriage before she passed in 2024.

Tom graduated from 8th grade and went to work as a farmer and truck driver. In 1954, he began working for the American Can Company. He achieved his GED and was apprenticed as a tool and dye maker and ultimately qualified as a machinist. He retired in 1996 from Burd+Fletcher. Tom could fix anything with his talent for math and machinist skills. His skills even extended to being assigned to a surveying team during his brief stint in the army. He made friends easily and had a close circle of long-time friends, especially from his years at the can company and the church.

In 1978, he realized his dream of buying a farm, 92 acres in South Central Missouri that he enjoyed with friends and family; deer hunting, riding the tractor and shooting the breeze. Tom was a story teller. Even in his final days, he could weave stories about his years in Osceola, time spent with his grandparents and his years with Sue.

He was baptized at Eastgate Christian Church (DOC) and served in many roles over the years; deacon, greeter, member of the Nominating Committee and General Board. Until he became more housebound, he was one of a group of members who mowed and maintained the church property. He was always willing to care for others, including neighbors, in this way. He and Sue spent many nights playing pitch and celebrating new years with a group of friends from the church. He was a homebody, but would go on trips with Peggy and Bill Gray and in later years with Merial and Carson Kinnison.

Tom loved to laugh and play jokes on Sue that she rarely got like the time she went on a trip and he didn’t mention he sold the car that she had been encouraging him to sell. Much to his chagrin, she never even noticed its absence. He loved and missed Sue so much. He cared deeply about his children, his grandchildren, his sisters and his friends. He was a good provider and always willing to lend a hand.

Tom is survived by his son, Wesley (Renee), Independence; daughter, Loretta (David) Loyd, Austin, TX; grandson, Andrew Short; granddaughter, Danielle Short; grandsons, Ian (Roxana) Loyd and Aaron Loyd; sisters, Ida Wilkerson, Myrtle Green and Patricia (Joe) Struemph and cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sue; his parents, Charles and Elizabeth Short, his brother, Bill and sisters, Marie Stimelsky and Rosa Mae Gardner.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 9:00 am at Speaks Memorial Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St. S., Independence, MO, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 am. Officiant: Rev. Rhonda Hetzel; Pallbearers: Andrew Short, Ian Loyd, Danielle Short, Aaron Loyd, Jim Goble, and Stephen Gentry. Graveside services at Lee’s Summit Historical Cemetery, 806 SE 3rd St., Lee’s Summit, MO.

Memorial donations may be made to Eastgate Christian Church, Independence, MO.

Special thanks and gratitude to Andrew Short, for the many years of care for his grandpa and grandma.

Thanks and appreciation to Tom’s sister, Patty, for her years long care and attention to Tom and Sue.

Thanks to Ascend Hospice of Lee’s Summit, MO for walking this final journey with Tom.