Thomas Wayne Straw, age 69, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 4, 2018.
Tom was born in Williamsburg, Pennsylvania on July 14, 1949, to the union of the late Lewis and Elizabeth (Deasy) Straw. He was a 1967 graduate of Westmont High School in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Following high school, Tom attended the University of Pennsylvania before enlisting in the United States Navy. While in the Navy, he served his country faithfully during Vietnam. Upon returning from Vietnam, Tom graduated from Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia with degrees in Business and Hospital Administration. He then re-enlisted in the Navy as an officer and retired as Lieutenant Commander after 24 years. After his military retirement, Tom taught computer technology courses at Franklin Tech Center in Joplin for five years. He also worked as a journeyman pipefitter and traveled as far as Alaska. For the last five years, Tom was employed with MCA in Carthage at the Jayhawk Plant.
Tom was strong in his faith. He was a devout Catholic and a 26-year member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin, where he participated in the church choir and served as a lector. He was supportive of the Autism community and served as a Parent Advisor for Autism for the Department of Mental Health. Tom was a quiet man, very unassuming, had a dry sense of humor and had only one way of doing things – the hard way. While he would never boast about himself, he accomplished amazing things in his lifetime with much success to his military career. Tom was called on five secret missions and while he could never speak details, one mission consisted of being flown to Russia as he specialized in nuclear weapons. Tom was even given accommodation by President Reagan and invited to the Oval Office in honor of a secret mission he completed. While stationed in San Diego, he orchestrated a museum of nuclear weapons used for training purposes. Also while in San Diego, he wrote a few episodes for the popular TV shows, Night Court and M*A*S*H.
On November 21, 1989, Tom was united in marriage to Nikki (Elbert) Higdon. Above all of his accomplishments, family was the most important to Tom. He would do absolutely anything for them and he will be remembered as the most loving, caring and gentle person. He was a smart man and lived by his most important motto: “Happy Wife, Happy Life”. Nikki was his “Queen Bee” and he was her “Drone” – always guiding her where she needed to go. Tom was the biggest believer in all of Nikki’s hopes and dreams, even the far-fetched ones, and he would go to the ends of the earth to make them all happen for her. In 29 years, they had only one argument. They were truly best friends and their marriage will continue to serve as an example to all.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Cathy Ruddek; and his first wife, Sharon Clark.
Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Nikki Straw, of Joplin; children, Joycelynn Straw of Diamond, Jeremy Higdon and wife, Rachel, of Joplin, Bryan Higdon and wife, Natasha, of Joplin and Cory Higdon and wife, Sarah, of Seneca; 10 grandchildren, Korah, Ayden, Allysun, Olyvia, Jenna, Catie, Lucy, Titus, Gwenyth and Isabelle; sisters, Susan Schwarten and Carol Babik; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 10, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin with Father Colby Elbert and Father Justin Monaghan officiating. Rosary will be recited by Father Joe Weidenbenner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary with visitation following until 9:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in care of the mortuary. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.
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