Tony Greenwood

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Dr. Anthony J. “Tony” Greenwood, 67, Joplin, MO sailed away from his mortal life on Saturday, April 14th at Mercy Hospital, St. Louis.

Tony was born on December 18th, 1950 to Robert John and Rita Eleanor Greenwood in Skiatook, Oklahoma. He resided there with his family until moving with them to Springfield, MO in 1964.

A 1969 graduate of St. Agnes High School (now Springfield Catholic), Tony received his undergraduate education at Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) and completed his Doctoral studies at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry. He subsequently served in the United States Air Force in Homestead, FL as a dentist with the rank of Captain. After three years in the military, he returned to civilian life and established his dental practice in Baxter Springs, KS, which has remained a presence in the Four State area for over 35 years. Dr. Greenwood was a career-long member of the American Dental Association as well as the Kansas Dental Association. One of his greatest joys was to see a child in his office who was a third generation addition to his patient base. That simply reaffirmed the trust that so many families had in all that he did to care for them. Dr. Greenwood was blessed throughout his career with loyal and devoted staff members who have been truly instrumental in ensuring that every patient was treated with utmost respect, compassion, and personal care. His current seven employees have amassed a combined 120 years of work with him.

Tony married his high school sweetheart, Mary Wyrsch, in Springfield on November, 23rd, 1974. They had three children, Adam, Andrew, and Ann. The family moved from Baxter Springs to Joplin, MO in 1995. Tony was an avid sailor and belonged to the Beaver Lake Sail Club. His outgoing personality led him to participation at the Joplin Little Theatre, Ronald McDonald House of the Four States annual Tree of Life lighting ceremony, and Mercy Joplin Foundation’s Blast from the Past. He was on the board of the Mercy Joplin Foundation for over 20 years and served multiple terms on the board of the Joplin Area Catholic Schools. He was also a very active member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church.

Tony was the perfect definition of a “family man.” He was a friend to many and a stranger to none. The personal relationships that he made throughout his life were the most valuable of his possessions. His persistent smile, zeal for living, and optimistic attitude were contagious. Not only was he always more than willing to lend a helping hand, donate time, or volunteer his talents, he could tell the best stories, recite the corniest of jokes, and concoct the best wisecracks. Above all, he was a faith-filled man who strove and inspired others to be more like Christ. Tony’s response to, “How are you?” was always “Close to perfect.” Now that he is enjoying eternal paradise, he is not close to, he is perfect.

Tony was preceded in death by his father, Robert; mother, Rita; sister, Rita Marie; and mother-in-law, Nell Marie Wyrsch. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 43 years, Mary Wyrsch Greenwood; sons, Adam (Destin, FL) and Andrew (New York, NY); and daughter, Ann and her husband Nick Fazzino (Kansas City, MO) as well as his beloved grandchildren William, Jackson, and Eleanor Greenwood and Joanna Fazzino. Additional survivors include his brother, Robert (Molene); sisters, Nell Marie (Robert Marsh) and Bernadette Jones; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Jennings; brothers-in-law, Leo Wyrsch (Sue) and William Wyrsch (Rhonda) as well as all of their many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank all of the physicians, nurses, and staff at Mercy Joplin and Mercy St. Louis for their outstanding, professional care and compassion during Tony’s stay at both hospitals.

A rosary and prayer service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 19th at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Joplin with visitation following from 6-8 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 20th at the church. Interment with full military honors will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City. Pallbearers will be his nephews: Rodney Greenwood, Jason Rosendahl, James Greenwood, Tony Greenwood, Michael Jennings, Mike Lewandowski, Gary Brown, Joe Coss, Brad Wyrsch, Doug Wyrsch, Justin Wyrsch, and Michael Wyrsch.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions are made to Joplin Area Catholic Schools, Mercy Health Foundation, Ronald McDonald House of the Four States, or St. Peter’s Outreach Ministries.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.