Thomas Waples

Thomas Waples

Thomas Waples Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Ava Family Funeral Home on Nov. 4, 2024.

Publish in a newspaper

Thomas Waples, 75, passed away from this life on October 17, 2024, at his home. He was born on March 22, 1949, to parents Jerry and Betty "Jean" (Saunders) Waples in Los Angeles, California.
On May 10, 1969, Thomas would marry Linda in Denver, Colorado. Thomas was proud to have spent 10 years in the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy he was assigned to the USS John Adams (SSBN620) as 1st class Torpedoman and 2nd class Diver. Then he had Civil Service work with NOSC San Diego with the USN Dolphins and Sea Lions (Quick Find IUWG-1) during this time he had many Commendations and Awards along with a nomination for "Sailor of the Year." Thomas was also instrumental in the Tomahawk Cruise Missile program.
He then spent 30 years in a construction business in Ramona, California.
In 2009 Thomas retired. Thomas and Linda spent the next 15 years enjoying their life and retirement. Part of this retirement included moving to Missouri. In Missouri Thomas and Linda were able to build their dream house. Thomas almost single-handedly finished the house.
Thomas is preceded in death by his parents Jerry and Jean Waples.
Thomas' wife Linda will miss Thomas as her beloved, special husband and best friend for 55 years. Also missing Thomas will be his daughter Tina and husband Lonnie Moreno, and son Todd and wife Ranee Waples. Thomas will also be missed by grandchildren Thomas and wife Megan, Garrett, Emily, Ruby, Jaazmine, Justine, Augustin, Tanya, Lexie, and Megan. Thomas also left behind great-grandchildren Sienna, Brayden, Zoey, Maija-Ann, Alexander, Madeline, Theodore, and Seraphina. He also left behind a sister Jan Gross and niece and nephew Heidi and Patrick. Thomas will also be missed by special and supportive brother-in-law George and Rebecca Beasley. Many other friends and family will miss Thomas in their lives.
There are no services planned at this time.

All services under the care of Ava Family Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Thomas Waples's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 5, 2024

Steven J. Jaeger posted to the memorial.

November 4, 2024

Ava Family Funeral Home posted to the memorial.

November 4, 2024

Ava Family Funeral Home posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Steven J. Jaeger

November 5, 2024

Darlene and I will never forget our time with Linda and Tom in Maine giving us ski lessons for the first time. Tom had me go from beginners slope to Advanced in one day. So many fun memories while we were in the shipyard with the John Adams in Portsmouth, NH. Our sincerest condolences to Linda and the family. RIP Shipmate.

Ava Family Funeral Home

November 4, 2024

Our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Ava Family Funeral Home

401 North Jefferson P.O. Box 65, Ava, MO 65608

Make a Donation
in Thomas Waples's name

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Waples's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Thomas Waples's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 5, 2024

Steven J. Jaeger posted to the memorial.

November 4, 2024

Ava Family Funeral Home posted to the memorial.

November 4, 2024

Ava Family Funeral Home posted an obituary.