Thomas White

1946 - 2025

Oct 7, 1946 - Dec 21, 2025

Thomas D. "Tommy" White, 79 yrs of age, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis. He was born to Thomas and Ada (Reid) White of Eolia on Oct. 7, 1946. After graduating Clopton High School, Tom attended Hannibal-LaGrange College before enlisting in the U.S. Navy along with his lifelong friend Jim Grimes.

After four years of service aboard the USS Ajax, he returned to Missouri where he attended the Aeromechanics Aviation School in Kansas City, obtaining an Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic's license. In 1972, Tom opened White's Garage in Eolia, where he would garner a reputation as an exemplary mechanic, due in no small part to his highly inquisitive nature. Tom enjoyed automotive racing and motorcycling throughout his life. Tom was a fixture of the community, having held the position of both Mayor and Fire Chief, and was heavily invested in Eolia's welfare. He would take an interest in amateur radio, obtaining Amateur Extra Class license, and would maintain his original callsign, KA0EJQ. Tom would serve as volunteer examiner for countless aspiring operators and was instrumental in the advancement of amateur radio in the area.

This interest in radio would lead to the formation of A&W Communications, Inc., serving Public Safety and 911 agencies throughout the state. Tom's determination, work ethic, and perfectionism resulted in the formation of countless relationships with customers and partners alike; his technical acumen commanding the respect of his peers across the country. Tom always pursued mastery of his craft, and this mindset transcended his companies, as he was a mentor to every technician he employed. He was a devout Christian, and his business ethics embodied this.

On Sunday, Tom could be found taking time off after church spending time with his beloved Jack Russell Terrier.

Surviving him is his loving son: Aaron (Alicia) Christensen; grandchildren: Nathan, Ivy, Isaac, Rose, Noah, cousins Ada Lee (Tom) Craig, Sandy (Earl) Best, Stan (Beth) White, Ron (Becky) Hoeing, nephew Seth Craig, and partner of many years, Wendy Sloan.

Preceding him in death were his cousins Ron Reid and Richard Reid.

Visitation to be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 2:00 to 7:00 PM at McCoy-Blossom

Funeral Home, 1304 Boone St., Troy, MO 63379 (1636)528-8244

Funeral Services to be held Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 10 AM at McCoy-Blossom- Funeral Home - Troy. Officiating: Greg Wyble.

Interment to follow in the St. John's Episcopal Cemetery, Eolia. A reception will be held at the Edgewood Resource Center following interment.

Serving as pallbearers: Drew Grimes, Seth Craig, Mark Magruder, David Buchholz, Larry LaFave, and Caleb Tucker. Honorary Pallbearers: Cathy Dameron, Ann Glass, Gilbert Watts, Joe Allen, Milton Gillean, Gary Bergfield, Mike Owenby, Brian Krumm, Reggie Penberthy, Tom Meyer, Roger Brown, Allen Heyer and Donnie Tucker.

Memorials to : Clopton Alumni Association or Eolia First Methodist Church or St. John's Episcopal Cemetery or All Paws Rescue in O'Fallon, MO, c/o the funeral home.

Family and Friends may sign the online guestbook @www.mccoyblossomfh.com