Tom Naught

Mr. Thomas Seamer "Tom" Naught, age 78, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
Tom was born on May 14, 1946, in Carrollton, Mo., one of five children to the late Seamer Noah and Goldie Lavon (Miller) Naught. He was married to Mary Catherine "Kate" Minnis on May 25, 1968, in Carrollton, Mo., and blessed with his two children from this marriage. Kate preceded him in death in 1988. He was united in marriage to Sharon Sue Manuel on July 7, 1989, in Eldon, Mo., who survives.
Growing up in Wakenda, Mo., Tom developed a strong work ethic at a young age. His first job was working the early morning shift at Banquet Foods on the loading dock before his school day began. Tom was a 1964 graduate of Carrollton High School and played every sport offered including football, baseball, and basketball. He cherished his memories of this close-knit community, which provided him with friendships that lasted a lifetime. Following high school graduation, Tom attended the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, where he studied general business.
Tom took his first career job with Metropolitan Life Insurance in Carrollton. He was quickly promoted to a manager position, leading him to the Jefferson City office in 1970. In 1972, he branched off on his own and opened Naught-Naught Insurance Agency, with his brother, Rick, and his brother, Harry, joining a few years later. Humble beginnings and a sense of strong self-discipline as the foundation, Tom's career spanned over 50 years. Some of his greatest professional accomplishments were expanding the agency to 15 locations across mid-Missouri, providing exceptional service to thousands of clients and creating opportunities for three generations of the Naught family.
While Tom took pride in his career as an insurance agent, he found his greatest satisfaction in helping others. He was most proud of the numerous successful people he was able to guide and mentor in the industry over the years. He treated his employees like family and found joy in helping them succeed. Tom served on various advisory boards over the years for many national insurance companies and took the responsibility seriously. From these values, the company developed into a community-oriented agency.
A true civic leader with a generous heart, Tom found joy in giving back to his community. He would often help financially but more importantly, he gave abundantly of his time. He and his wife, Sharon, were longtime members and supporters of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce and made a lasting impression on the group. Together, they also were generous and patriotic supporters of veteran programs like Operation Bugle Boy, K9s on the Front Line, and Wreaths for Heros, sponsors of the Salute to America opening ceremony for veterans, and they aided in the placement of the Gold Star Memorial at Adrian Island. Tom and Sharon contributed their time and resources to the Relay for Life and Mid-Mo Samaritan Center for various causes, as well as to the Goldschmidt Cancer Center Chapel, helping provide the beautiful stained-glass windows.
In 1989, Tom and his team at Naught-Naught Agency hosted a garage sale. The success of the day sparked an idea and desire to do more; that idea later became the Boost BBQ Benefit. More than thirty years later, the benefit still provides nutritional supplements to thousands of cancer patients across 23 counties in Missouri and has allowed the Goldschmidt Cancer Center to provide wigs and gas cards to the patients. Never wanting to be in the limelight for his volunteer work and efforts, his humble character and heart for giving will continue to benefit and impact his community for generations to come.
Tom's final act of giving was that of organ donation, continuing his legacy of helping others even after his passing.
Full of life and energy, Tom was rarely found idle. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing, especially in Canada or at the family lake near his hometown he nicknamed, "Bogard Junction." He loved working in the yard and cutting wood, enjoying the simple pleasures of being outdoors. He also enjoyed working with his vineyard for the past 15 years, sharing the fruits of his harvest with friends and family alike.
Above all, Tom was a proud family man. He enjoyed traveling with Sharon and their adventures took them all over the world. However, their favorite destination was Puerto Vallarta, where they made many treasured memories. He was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren and made sure to tell them often. He was a steadfast supporter who was always there for them. His legacy of generosity, grace, and genuine love will continue to radiate through the ones he loved most.
He is survived by: his loving wife of 35 years, Sharon; two children, Sarah Bargfrede (Jeff) of Alma, Mo. and Bill Naught (Laura) of Jefferson City, Mo.; four siblings, Harry Naught (Marcia) of Eldon, Mo., Rick Naught (Judy) of Jefferson City, Alice Trent (Bill) of Marshall, Mo., and Barb Gore (Rick) of Kansas City, Mo.; three grandchildren, Gavin Bargfrede (Nichole) of Waverly, Mo., Holden Bargfrede (Abby) of Higginsville, Mo., and Anderson Naught of Jefferson City; one great-grandson, Charlie Bargfrede and a great-granddaughter due in January 2025; brother-in-law, Larry Manuel; sisters-in-law, Shirley Briscoe, Jeannie Wood, and Suzanne Manuel; and loving nieces, nephews, and members of his extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kate; infant brother, Billy Ray Naught; and brothers-in-law, Gary Manuel, Carl Briscoe, and Tommy Wood.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Freeman Mortuary.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Capital City Christian Church with Mr. Rod Smith officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
A live stream of Tom's service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday for friends that are not able to attend by going to Capital City Christian Church's website.
Since Tom was a huge believer in the act of giving, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Capital Region Medical Foundation that will go to the Goldschmidt Cancer Center to support nutritional supplements and wigs (P.O. Box 1128, Jefferson City, MO 65102); K-9s on the Front Line (P.O. Box 105106, Jefferson City, MO 65110); or the Samaritan Center Foundation (P.O. Box 1687, Jefferson City, MO 65102).
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.