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Thomas Fleming Obituary
It is with heavy hearts, we announce that Tom passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025 at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife Merilynn (nee Mitchell); his children Todd Fleming and Robyn Henry (Josh) and his grandchildren Summer and Hannah; his siblings Jim Fleming, Kathy Kirkpatrick and Jan Lee; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law and 9 nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his brother Larry Fleming.
After graduating from DuBourg High School in 1963, Tom attended Southwest Missouri State where he received a BS in Marketing and Psychology. Tom took that knowledge to IBM were he worked in sales and sales management. Sensing a trend in the industry, Tom left IBM in 1972 to start his own company selling supply products for IBM equipment. His vision and foresight positioned him as a pioneer and serial entrepreneur in the industry as he started his business. Over 50 years, Tom established several companies over his career creating change within the industry operating as-ABM, ABM Federal, Supplies Network and eventually Distribution Management Inc.
After moving his company to the Chesterfield Valley in 1978 he became committed to the growth of the region. As a Co-founder of Chesterfield Civic Progress, a member of Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce as well as the Chesterfield Community Development Authority, Tom was committed to the growth of Chesterfield Valley and was instrumental in its rebuilding after the flood of 1993.
In his free time, Tom loved spending time with family and friends at his lake house fishing, and at his farm hunting quail with his beloved dogs by his side.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Schrader Funeral Home, 14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin MO 63011, on Friday, April 25th from 4-7pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Tom to Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis or the Humane Society of Missouri. Please share memories of Tom and condolences with the family in the online guest book at Schrader.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Fleming
Guy and Willie Busch
July 18, 2025
May Tom rest in peace
He was a kind man and friend to many of us in St.Louis♥
Michael Brenegan
May 5, 2025
I was a vendor supplier of Memorex and IBM products to Tom's company. He was an honest, welcoming and a straight shooter. I respected him more then any customer I had in 40 years in the supplies business. Rest in peace, Tom. Mike Brenegan
Mary Mary Mitchell
April 30, 2025
I have sweet memories of "Tommy" from our childhood... He was my cousin, as well as my classmate at St. Michael's grade school. Tom 's family and mine lived on Devonshire in Shrewsbury back in the fifties! My late brother, John, and Tom were very good friends, bonded by their mutual love of horses. I recall Tom's devotion to John when my brother suffered long term illness from cancer. Tom was loyal and compassionate...always.
My heartfelt sympathy is extended to all Tom's beloved family. I am so sorry for your great loss... May Tom enjoy eternal peace and joy in heaven. Mary Tack Mitchell, Huntsville, AL
Lee (Holman) Freeman-Rung
April 28, 2025
To Tom's family I extend my heartfelt sympathy...While I didn't know Tom all that well, he was a friend of my sister, Lois Jean Holman, who went to St Elizabeth's in Crestwood, and then to Bishop DuBourg High School with him. They were friends thru the years with Bill Woeger (now Brother Bill), Sally Roy, & Margie Elders. My sister was 7 years older than I, so what memories I have of their friendship is...they were supportive of one another and were True friends ...all of them as a group. My sister passed away in 2019 after a brief battle with lung cancer...Gone Too soon...But I wanted to let you know that Tom was a true friend to Lois...and that she will be greeting him with open arms in Heaven. May memories of times spent together comfort you in the days ahead.
May God Bless him, and may Tom's soul rest in peace.
Lori Aston
April 26, 2025
I truly believed Tom fleming was one of the people who would live forever. From our first meeting when we became neighbors, we knew we had hit the jackpot. Tom and Mitch were the best neighbors: insisting we have the "snow party" the first time we ran off the road in the neighborhood; riding around with drinks in our four wheelers; letting my kids have little jobs to learn responsibility; helping support my son Cole with his eagle scout project; being their first trick or treaters and watching Tom pull out candy and money to appease the kids; helping us hide the high school parties and helping us justify the madness! It was a magical time and Tom Fleming was and will always be larger than life in our story! You will be missed my friend. May your soul be granted eternal rest. Love ya Tom!
Michael Flavin
April 25, 2025
Tom is one of my mentors. In addition to kindness and generosity he was a brilliant businessman. One of his rare skills was assessing his own strengths and those of others. He recognized that his creativity and leadership would blossom if he partnered with Jack Easterling. Together they transformed “Good to Great”. It’s gratifying to see Sean and his team prosper now.
Tom donated his business acumen to the City of Chesterfield in 1993 when the flood devastated us. He spent countless hours getting the City/ County/ Army Corps and the State to work with Chesterfield businesses to insure the area would comeback and it did, better than ever.
Sherre and I are in our 14th year of owning Brittany’s. I quail hunt 30 days a year, inspired by Tom.
Our prayers are with Mitch, Sean and the Fleming family.
Mike and Sherre Flavin
Cole Aston
April 25, 2025
Tom was an amazing, remarkable man and a great role model. Tom gave me my very first job as an intern at DM, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that. It was an exciting and formative experience, and I learned so much from it. I also have such fond memories of taking care of his wonderful pets over the years while growing up in the neighborhood. I will miss Tom deeply and am keeping Tom and his family in my prayers.
Margaret Cassell Zambrana
April 23, 2025
Tom was a very kind and welcoming man. I am blessed to have known him. My thoughts and prayers to his lovely wife Mitchell, smiling son Todd, and other family members.
James Reynolds
April 20, 2025
Tom!
What can I say? We played some great baseball & basketball in grade and high school. Lots of great memories! Glad we got to hunt together. You went on to become an exceptional professional businessman, husband, and raised an outstanding family. You did it all!!
You will be missed.
Jimbo Reynolds
Reed Farley
April 15, 2025
Tom has provided a legacy of memories, both business and personal, for me and my family since the 1970s. Beginning as a great business partnership and developing into a personal relationship that included Phyllis and I hosting Tom and Mitch at a number of Kentucky Derbys, as well as having the privilege to spend many nights with them in their home. A most notable memory was that we were with them the weekend of 9/11, where it helped to be with someone with whom you felt particularly close. Tom’s business acumen, and his personal generosity will live in the memories of the many who knew him. A deep personal loss but a forever memory.
Trudy Kaiser
April 13, 2025
I can’t tell you how sad I am to have lost a friend. My heart continues to break each day for the void he has left behind. I had the privilege of working for Tom and being his friend for 30 years. Tom welcomed us not just into his world put into his family and through that I also became friends and family with his wonderful wife, daughter and nephew. The warmth, kindness and generosity Tom and his family showed meant so much to me and mine. He was a truly remarkable man who left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
Bob Bertram
April 13, 2025
A truly remarkable man. I was fortunate to get to know him and meet his lovely wife and kids. He was as kind a person as you will ever meet. Smart. Humble. Generous.
I will miss him. The memories of him will be fondly cherished. Heck of a guy.
Jennifer Kopplin
April 11, 2025
We are saddened by the loss of Tom, our founder and the heart behind our mission. Tom led with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Tom built more than a business — Tom built a community that reflects his passion and values. We are grateful for the legacy Tom leaves behind and the many lives Tom impacted.
I pray for comfort and peace for Tom’s friends, family and loved ones during this time. May the hope of Christ and the promise of eternal life bring strength to all who mourn.
“The memory of the righteous is a blessing.” — Proverbs 10:7
Greg Schmittgens
April 9, 2025
I first met Tom Fleming in the late 1980's as his accountant. At that time, I had no idea what a great friend and mentor he would become. If I would of had an ideal older brother he would have been my pick. I am honored to have served as his trusted advisor and friend for nearly 40 years. I will especially miss the disagreements we had over the electronic strike zone. In the future, when the umpire misses the count I will miss your text. Your loss cannot be measured. You will be missed by my entire family, Judy, Jason, Kris, Jenna and your Godson, Sasha. Rest in peace Tom. I hope that someday in some small way, I can be considered "the Tom Fleming" to those in my circle.
Frank Casella
April 7, 2025
Tom you and Mitch made my life much easier with your friendship. You was my best man in my wedding, I could always count on you to give me advice on personal and business decisions. I will always remember our talks at hunting camp.
You are my best friend and always will be
I will miss you
Elizabeth (Aston) Reinberg
April 7, 2025
Growing up on Rooster Ridge introduced the Fleming family to me. Tom always welcomed my siblings and me at his house anytime. Whether it was playing in his barn, riding our bikes through his driveway or exploring his property, he always greeted us with a smile and showed us around. May he rest in peace.
Gloria Lewis
April 7, 2025
Tom hired me in Feb. 93 as his administrative assistant. He saw things in me that I didn't see at the time, federal contracts...Needless to say Tom strongly influenced my federal career. We developed a strong bond during those 32 years that was never broken until now. What I found most remarkable, was his commitment and concern for his employees. During our last conversation he was talking about his beloved employees. I believe every employee truly aspired to be on Tom's Wall of Fame. Tom was generous, kind, compassionate, and firm when necessary. I will miss our luncheons, but more importantly, I will miss my Dear Boss/Friend. Rest peacefully, and I will see you on the other side.
Love,
Gloria Lewis
Bob Killion
April 7, 2025
Bob Killion
I am Tom's 1st cousin. Some of Tom's fondest memories were the times he spent on our farm in Jerseyville, Ill. We were all just kids and the times were GREAT! Probably why he bought his farm later in life.
He loved my Mom's fried chicken and milk gravy.
Tom is resting in the hands of the Almighty rejoined with his Family.
Woody Zenfell Jr
April 7, 2025
Rest In Peace Tom
Mike Zambrana
April 6, 2025
Tom, your friendship and leadership have been and will be an inspiration to us all. You always had an interest in listening and a plan to help others. I appreciate all of the personal and business conversations we shared while hunting and fishing together. You have touched my family throughout the years and will be missed immensely. You will be held fondly in our hearts and minds. The same hearts and minds you touched and nurtured along the way in your well-lived life. You and your family are loved.
Darla Gallagher
April 5, 2025
Eternal rest grant unto Tom, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Margaret Cuba
April 4, 2025
Tom was a remarkable businessman but more importantly he had a tremendous moral compass. He once told me “Protect your reputation because it is who you have been the last 10 years. You can’t hire a marketing company to change that.” He was referring to his company which I took to heart. I spent almost 20 years of my life serving Tom in the most honorable way I could. I loved him like a father and will cherish the memories of his guidance and perspective. The world lost a great human! RIP Tom.
Jerry Jones
April 4, 2025
I considered Tom one of the smartest people in our industry. He was a true Entrepreneur, industry leader, leader in Intec and a mentor of mine. I am a better person having known Tom and being a friend of his. May the Irish God’s shine on him.
Jerry Jones
Misty Wilson
April 4, 2025
It was a true privilege to work for Tom. His generosity, wisdom, and kindness left a lasting mark not only on my career, but on my life. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have known him and to have learned from him. My heart aches with his passing, but I will carry the special memories and lessons he gave me forever. My deepest sympathy to the entire Fleming family. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.
Bill Erpelding
April 4, 2025
I always admired Tom greatly, however I’m not sure I realized how much until how deeply saddened I became upon hearing of his passing. He never failed to pass along an encouraging word or offer praise for a job well done when deserved. I consider myself fortunate to have known him and he will be missed by many. Sincere condolences to the Fleming family.
Cindy Flora
April 4, 2025
I was very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was on our board of directors for many years and he was always present at our trade shows. He was a joy to be around. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends for their loss.
Bud King
April 3, 2025
Tom was one of the kindest and most generous men I’ve ever known. God bless you Tom. I will always love you.
Royanna Chappell
April 3, 2025
Although the team didn't get to meet Tom -- we have gotten to work with the incredible organization that he initially constructed and grew as DM. Our hearts hurt with you as your original founder has now truly passed on a legacy and is beginning his next legacy in heaven. It is evident the mark that he made on people and the importance of family that is seen through working with Sean Fleming and the team at DM. Prayers and comfort for the Fleming family and DM organization.
Rick Boggs
April 3, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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