Thomas "Tom" Edward Donze

Thomas Edward Donze, 84, of Belle died November 13, 2024, surrounded by family members.

Tom was born in St Louis, MO on August 21, 1940, the son of the late Frank and Nora Donze (Ruedlinger), Tom graduated from Mercy High School in June 1958. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Brinker on November 22, 1958, who survives of the home. 

Tom retired from Schnucks Market as a meat cutter and was a member of Local 88 Meat Cutters Union from the age of 19. He retired from cutting meat a second time from Mace Supermarket in 2024.

He took up wood carving as a young man after receiving his first carving tools at the age of 14. He enjoyed doing relief carvings and carving Christmas ornaments. He was a member of the Stony Hill Wood Carving Club. He taught wood carving classes in his home, and traveled throughout the country sharing his talents.

 Tom was proud of his five children; Keith Donze (Lora) of Owensville, Renee Gisler (Stanley) of Plano, TX, Michele (Micki) Hancock (James) of Plano, TX, Brian Donze (Gina) and Craig Donze along with pseudo son, Kurt Lewis all of Belle. Tom had 12 grandchildren; Michael Donze (Katie), Erin Pfeifer, Shay Ridenhour (Jackie), Erin Backes (Jason), Cole Campbell, Coby Campbell (Tammy), Constance McIntosh (George Moody), Jack Hancock (Lia), Sam Hancock, Kyle Donze (Heather), Kever Donze, and Madison Coleman (Dylan). Tom’s legacy continues through his great grandchildren; Liam and Logan Donze, Karli and Kensli Pfeifer, Xander, Spencer, Jaide and Rayna Ridenhour, Vincent Miller, Izabella, Brayden and Ryleigh Backes, CJ and Eva Campbell, Saylor Richardson, Kennedy and Kallay Moody. 

Tom was an avid reader, enjoyed shooting black power and attending rendezvous, playing cards and games with family and friends.

Along with his parents, he is proceeded in death by one sister Barbara Fuller, one great granddaughter Sydni Pfeifer, and one grandson-n-law Brad Pfeifer.

He is survived by one brother Carl Donze (Barbara) of Knob Noster, MO and three sisters Teresa Conway (Blain) of Rockford, MI, Dotty Rigdon (Bruce) of Kansas City, MO, Mary Sita (John) of St Louis, MO, as well as many extended family members.

Visitation for Tom will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at the St. Alexander Catholic Church in Belle. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Kain officiating. Interment will follow at the St. Michaels Catholic Cemetery, Bland Mo.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude’s.