Tom Herbst

Thomas Allen "Tom" Herbst was born July 04, 1945 in St. Louis, MO to George and Emma (nee' Markovich) Herbst. Surrounded by his loving family, Tom passed away peacefully at his home in Union, MO on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at the age of 80 years.

Tom grew up in Union, MO where he attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School and graduated from Union High School in 1964. He continued his education at East Central College. Tom was united in marriage to Susie Berger on June 26, 1965 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Union and the couple made their home in Union. Their marriage was blessed with three daughters.

Tom began his career at Ford Motor Company in St. Louis where he worked as a relief man on the assembly line. While working at Ford, Tom also served on the Board of Alderman for the City of Union for several terms. In 1976, Tom took a leave from his position in automotive manufacturing when he was elected to serve as the Franklin County Treasurer. He served as the County Treasurer for 10 years. While serving as treasurer, Tom ran for Franklin County Clerk and was elected in 1987. He served as the County Clerk for 16 years and retired from his position in public service in 2002. Along with serving the county residents for many years, Tom and his wife, Susie, owned and operated Susie Q's Convenience Store in St. Clair for 10 years. He was also a Life Member of Elks Lodge #1559 in Washington for over 58 years, a Fourth Degree Member of Knights of Columbus Mathaushek Council 1576 in Union and former Grand Knight for the council. In earlier years, he was an active member of the Union Jaycees. Tom was a longtime, active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Union and served on the Parish Council for several years.

Tom's life was dedicated to serving his community in many capacities, but he treasured nothing more than spending time with his family. He loved taking his family to the Lake of the Ozarks to spend time together. After retiring from public office, Tom and his wife spent much of their time at their lake house, which they owned and enjoyed for over 40 years. In his youth, Tom learned to play the trumpet and he continued to play throughout his life. Later in life, he volunteered his musical talent by playing Taps for American Legion Post 297 in Union at veterans' funerals. After retiring, Tom found himself spending more time at his lake house than his home in Union, so he began volunteering to play Taps with veterans organizations at the lake. Tom also found enjoyment hunting and fishing. He loved to spend time with dear friends and cherished the time he spent with his family members.

Tom will be deeply missed by those who knew him and will be remembered for many things including his kind smile, witty sense of humor, the love he shared with others, and the kindness he brought to the lives of others. He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather and great-grandfather, a dedicated Mizzou fan, a proud Democrat, and a friend to many.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, George and Emma (nee' Markovich) Herbst; parents-in-law, Henry and Bernice (nee' Frueh) Berger; step-mother-in-law, Theola Berger (nee' Elbert); six siblings: Mary Ann Klienfield, George Herbst, Dorothy Habrock (Harold), Bob Herbst, Jeannie Beahm (Paul), and Joe Herbst (Marcia); and one brother-in-law, Raymond Berger (JoAnne).

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Susie Herbst (nee' Berger) of Union; three daughters, Michelle Behr and husband Allan of Washington, Amy Shanks and husband Mark of Lees Summit, and Maureen Wiese and husband Joe of Lake St. Louis; six grandchildren, Molly Jones (Owen), Maggie Behr, Noel Wiese (Kassie), Seamus Houlihan, Landon Wiese, and Emma Wiese; two great-grandchildren, Margot Jones and Maisie Jones; one sister, Helen Wolter and husband Dave of St. Louis; one brother, Andy Herbst and significant other Kim Stuesse of Union; two sisters-in-law, Mary Herbst and Jeanie Herbst; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Union with Rev. Peter Blake officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation for 80-year-old Tom Herbst will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, January 19, 2026 at Oltmann Funeral Home in Union, MO. The Knights of Columbus will lead a parish rosary at 3:30 PM on Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to I.C. School.

The Herbst family is served by Oltmann Funeral Home in Union, MO.