(From Parker Mortuary)Tommie Richard McAfee, age 78, Joplin, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at his home with family at his side.
Tom was born August 25, 1946 in Joplin, son of the late Donald Amos McAfee, Sr. and Rose Lorraine (Butler) McAfee. He grew up in Joplin and graduated from Joplin High School in 1964. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he served from 1964 – 1970. He returned to Joplin and went to work at Midway Sheet Metal which he did for several years before beginning his career as a firefighter for the Joplin Fire Department which he faithfully did for 30 years.
He also spent time as an EMT with the Newton County Ambulance Service. Following his retirement, he enjoyed working for Parker Mortuary as a funeral attendant and transfer personnel which he did from 2006 – 2019.
Tom was an active member of the Wildwood Baptist Church of Joplin where he served as a deacon since 1981, and a Sunday school teacher. His passion was working in the nursery where he was known as the “baby whisperer”. He loved taking care of the little ones and was often found in the nursery with more than one infant on his lap. He also loved helping others in time of need and was very fond of the time he spent working with the Chilton Baptist Builders traveling the United States helping to build new churches which he enjoyed for 14 years.
Tom also enjoyed being outdoors whether that be fishing, hunting, or golfing. He enjoyed wood working, and was a big fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. His biggest passion was taking care of his grandchildren. He will be missed by his family and numerous friends very much.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Rose McAfee and Anabelle Roush.
Tom was an active member of the Wildwood Baptist Church of Joplin where he served as a deacon since 1981, and a Sunday school teacher. His passion was working in the nursery where he was known as the “baby whisperer”. He loved taking care of the little ones and was often found in the nursery with more than one infant on his lap. He also loved helping others in time of need and was very fond of the time he spent working with the Chilton Baptist Builders traveling the United States helping to build new churches which he enjoyed for 14 years.
Tom also enjoyed being outdoors whether that be fishing, hunting, or golfing. He enjoyed wood working, and was a big fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. His biggest passion was taking care of his grandchildren. He will be missed by his family and numerous friends very much.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Rose McAfee and Anabelle Roush.
Survivors include his wife, Johna (Stinson) McAfee; daughters, Melissa Martin and husband Eric, Kimberly Cunningham and husband Daniel, both of Joplin, and Tava Tobey (Amanda) of Claremore, OK; brother, Don McAfee and wife Sarah and their children David Bryant (Marcella), Rhonda McAfee (Kurt Schroder) all of Surprise, AZ; brother-in-law, Robert Stinson of Johnson City, TN; grandchildren, Joshua McAfee, Titan Cunningham, and Taya Bunch (Gage), Lauren Copple, all of Joplin, Kyle Copple and wife Amber of Seneca, MO, Krisalynn Phillips and husband Ty, Zackary Miller, Trenton Tobey, all of Claremore, OK, Azariann Sanders and J’Laysia Sanders both of Joplin; great-grandchildren, Riley Copple, Josephine Copple, and Raven Copple; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A special thank you to Justin Litwin for the care and laughs you gave Tom.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary with a memorial service to be held later this fall at his church.
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