Rev. Thomas 'Tom' Thorne, age 74 of Neosho, entered into rest on Sept. 9, 2017 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, following a short illness.
Tom was born July 2, 1943 in Joplin, the son of Dr. Thomas V. and Mary Margaret (Johnson) Thorne. He spent his life serving others through the church, public education, sports and community service. He has taught in Chanute, Lawrence and Eureka, Kansas before returning to Neosho in 1981. He then taught in the East Newton School system, owned and operated the 'Coach's Locker' sporting goods store in Neosho; worked for the Newton County Juvenile Department and coached in area schools, including Carthage and most recently, Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School. He was ordained as Pastor of the First Congregational Church in 1985, where he currently served. He was a recipient of the Neosho Exchange Club Golden Deeds Award and was an accomplished Master Decathalete, competing both nationally and internationally. He continued the Thorne tradition of sharing the Christmas season by hosting Santa at his home on Oak Ridge Drive.
Tom and Patricia 'Patty' Baird were married on Aug. 19, 1967 in Heavener, Oklahoma and they recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. In addition to his wife, Patty, Tom is survived by three children, Timothy Thorne and wife, Heather of Neosho; Kerri Bowser and husband, Tod of Pierce City and Jason Thorne and Kristy of Neosho; grandchildren, Logan, Blake, Rachel, Colton, Brett, Tucker, Madison, Jaya, Bryar and Collins; one great grandchild, Bethel Grace; one brother, Terry Joe Thorne and wife, Dana of Pawhawski, Oklahoma and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, all of whom he included as his own. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by four brothers, Tim, Jim, Jerry 'Bear' and John.
10:00 AM, Saturday, September 16, 2017
Calvary Baptist Church
2650 Oakridge Extension Neosho, MO
Calvary Baptist Church
2650 Oakridge Extension Neosho, MO
Blessings to you Tom Thorne and the deepest of thanks for the small but impactful role you played in my life all through growing up: as a coach, teacher, role model, father of a friend, and someone I valued, respected, and learned from long after I last saw you. You went out of your way and helped me when I needed it and no one else saw it. Thank you.
ReplyDelete