Tom Rich

Tommy Lee Rich, 73, of Shelbyville, Missouri, passed away peacefully at University Hospital, Columbia, MO surrounded by his loved ones.

Tom was born on June 19, 1952, in Springfield, Illinois, to Mary Jo (Hayes) and Mont Rich. When he was young, the family moved to Bethel, Missouri, where Tom later graduated from North Shelby High School in 1971.

Following high school, Tom was drafted into the United States Army. He often remarked that he was the last person drafted from Shelby County.

Tom was a heavy equipment operator for Hardy's Incorporated for many years and later for Magruder Construction and Quarry until his retirement. He helped build many of the highways in northern Missouri.

It was during this time that he met his future wife, Mary Kay Hardy. They were married on February 18, 1978, in Clarence, Missouri. Together they had two children, a son John and a daughter Kelly.

Tom was a farmer at heart. He loved working the land, especially gardening, and helping local farmers with their harvests. He also had a love for antique automobiles, proudly restoring a 1957 Chevy Bel-Air, a 1951 Buick, and a 1950 Chevy pickup. He loved cruising through town in his classics and attending car shows.

Tom loved a good time and a good story, and never met a stranger. He loved classic country music; he never forgot a song title or artist and could proudly "name that tune in two notes".

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Kay; his son John Rich of Columbia, Missouri; and his daughter Kelly George, her husband Joel, their sons Elliott Lee and Oliver William of Hallsville, Missouri. He is also survived by his sister Linda Smith; brother Bill Rich and wife Chris: and brother David "Josh" Rich all of Shelbyville, Missouri; and brother-in-law George Hardy and wife Barb of Cairo, Missouri as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his young sister Beverly Rich; his brother Gary "Wick" Rich; and his brother-in-law Ronnie "Sharky" Smith.

Tom will be remembered for his wit, sense of humor, and ability to tell a good story and his love for his family. He was especially proud of his grandsons.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Greening-Eagan-Hayes Funeral Home in Shelbina, Missouri. A brief visitation will precede the service from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service for those unable to attend the Celebration of Life. Military honors will begin at 10:20 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials can be made to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Shelbina American Legion Post 376, or Shelby Memorial Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will follow the memorial service at Tom's Garage, with food and stories to share as we honor a life well lived. Burial held at a later date.