Thomas Wayne Spurling

Tom Spurling led a vivacious, carefree life. He loved people, worked hard, lived everyday to its fullest and was the proudest of his family. He was always kind to everyone he met and encouraged that same kindness from others.
Born in Mexico, Missouri to Barbara Ann Mitchell and Russell Spurling on August 28, 1960 Thomas Wayne Spurling, 64, passed away on November 5, 2024. He was the step-son of Larry Mitchell who preceded him in death. Tom's schooling took place in Mexico, Missouri where he was a good student and spent much time with his grandparents, Elgin and Barbara Muir on their farm. This is where he learned a good work ethic that led him to have a successful career in the food and beverage industry for 50 years, culminating in owning his own restaurant, Ernie's Cafe, in Columbia, Missouri for 28 years.
Tom's first job was working in Mexico at KFC when he was just 15 years old. He then proceeded to obtain a certificate in meat cutting and bartending and worked at several grocery stores in the area. In 1986 he returned to the restaurant business at The Vintage House in Springfield, Missouri and then moved to the Country Club business for several years working as assistant manager at Highland Springs Country Club, Hillcrest Country Club and the Country Club of Missouri. In 1996 he purchased Ernie's Cafe & Steakhouse in downtown Columbia and revived the diner to the successful eatery it is today. Over the years, Ernie's has received the "Best of Columbia" award for breakfast many times, and was also featured as one of America's Best Restaurants on cable TV. This is due to the relationship Tom built with his staff and the professionalism and pride they have for Ernie's in addition to making customers feel at home when dining.
Tom had a variety of hobbies throughout his life and whenever he committed to one, he was in it 100%. In his 40's he was a triathlete, competing with Columbia Multisport Club. His team won many national titles as they competed throughout the nation. In his 50's and 60's he enjoyed golf, playing in the Missouri Golf Association Senior Series, and also motorcycling, riding with the Hooligan Charitable Riding Group to raise money for kids fighting cancer and other devastating diseases. Throughout his entire lifetime he was a passionate music fan and enjoyed listening to music and seeing a wide variety of artists. He was most passionate as a fan of the Grateful Dead.
Tom met and married his "very beautiful wife", Christine Lynn (Houchins) Spurling in 1980 and they were married in 1987. Tom and Christine both attended Missouri State University and graduated in 1986. They moved to Columbia, Missouri in 1991.
Tom's favorite activity was spending time with his wife, Christine, and daughters, Nicole and Rachel and son-in-law, Jake. Family travel and exploring together was something they all enjoyed, traveling to many places both near and far several times per year. Holidays and other celebrations at home were also some of Tom's favorite times. He also had many friends, one of which referred to him as the pied-piper of friendships due to the many relationships he had throughout the years.
Tom is survived by his wife, Christine Spurling, daughters, Nicole (Jacob) Wieneman of Shawnee Kansas, and Rachel Spurling of Dallas, TX and his mother, Barbara Mitchell of Mexico, Missouri.
Tom is also survived by one brother, Edward (Linda) Spurling of Mexico, Missouri and 3 nieces and 1 nephew. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Russell Spurling and his step-father, Larry S Mitchell and one nephew, Ethan Spurling.
Visitation will be from 10 am - 12 noon on Saturday, November 9 at Parker-Millard Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life following at 12 noon. Burial will follow in Columbia Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Columbia Golf Foundation by clicking here, or by mail at P.O. Box 1384, Columbia, MO 65205.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.parkermillard.com.