(From Parker Mortuary)Thomas Richard Asbell passed away the evening of June 6, 2024 at his home in Carl Junction.
Tom was preceded in death by his first wife Ruth, son Jeffrey, Granddaughter Helen Saunders, and Grandson Russell Asbell. He is survived by Daughter Anna Ruth Asbell, Stepson Brent Wagaman, and Stepdaughter Wendy Rheingans, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Tom was born May 29, 1935, the son of Victor & Pauline Asbell. Tom married Ruth Winnett in 1964. Ruth passed away January 2000. To that union two children were born, Jeffrey Thomas and Anna Ruth.
In February of 2003 Tom married Dixie Platt.
Tom was a member of Pleasant Hill Country Church, Webb City, MO. He was past Worshipful Master of Masonic Lodge #549, the American Legion and the NRA. He attended Pittsburg State College to study Electricity.
At the age of 23 Tom was drafted twice into the Army and served from 1958 to 1962. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Specialist 5, utilizing his mechanic skills servicing the Army’s fleet.
Tom retired from Vickers Corp. and the City of Joplin.
Tom added so much fun sharing stories of his favorite times in life, from riding his horse Dolly to school, to swimming in Center Creek with his friends near the farm he lived on near Smithfield, and all the great people he worked with through the years. He was lovingly known as “Mr. Popcorn” by the office women at the City of Joplin.
He was a licensed electrician and plumber, but he was an ace mechanic. All who worked with him, and knew him, had been heard to say, “Tom knows everything, and he has forgotten more than we can live long enough to learn.” He never passed a driver on the side of the road having car trouble without stopping to repair their vehicle. Many times, he even went to Joplin to retrieve the needed part, then drove back to the car to install it for the driver. He never accepted any payment, always saying, “Just pass it on.”
Tom’s love was for his family, first. Nothing brought him more joy than the time he spent at his farm with family around. From nightly talks with Grandson Jake, tending to his cat, “Kitty Kitty Meow Meow,” and his little Great Grandson Asher “Weasel” Asbell. They always made time at Grandpa’s shop to kneel and, “talk to Jesus.” He often bragged on his Great Granddaughter Austynn Asbell and her advanced skills on Aerial Silks.
Tom learned to fly later in life. Tom and his late son Jeff, his grandson Jake, and several friends, shared many wonderful flights together.
In February of 2003 Tom married Dixie Platt.
Tom was a member of Pleasant Hill Country Church, Webb City, MO. He was past Worshipful Master of Masonic Lodge #549, the American Legion and the NRA. He attended Pittsburg State College to study Electricity.
At the age of 23 Tom was drafted twice into the Army and served from 1958 to 1962. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Specialist 5, utilizing his mechanic skills servicing the Army’s fleet.
Tom retired from Vickers Corp. and the City of Joplin.
Tom added so much fun sharing stories of his favorite times in life, from riding his horse Dolly to school, to swimming in Center Creek with his friends near the farm he lived on near Smithfield, and all the great people he worked with through the years. He was lovingly known as “Mr. Popcorn” by the office women at the City of Joplin.
He was a licensed electrician and plumber, but he was an ace mechanic. All who worked with him, and knew him, had been heard to say, “Tom knows everything, and he has forgotten more than we can live long enough to learn.” He never passed a driver on the side of the road having car trouble without stopping to repair their vehicle. Many times, he even went to Joplin to retrieve the needed part, then drove back to the car to install it for the driver. He never accepted any payment, always saying, “Just pass it on.”
Tom’s love was for his family, first. Nothing brought him more joy than the time he spent at his farm with family around. From nightly talks with Grandson Jake, tending to his cat, “Kitty Kitty Meow Meow,” and his little Great Grandson Asher “Weasel” Asbell. They always made time at Grandpa’s shop to kneel and, “talk to Jesus.” He often bragged on his Great Granddaughter Austynn Asbell and her advanced skills on Aerial Silks.
Tom learned to fly later in life. Tom and his late son Jeff, his grandson Jake, and several friends, shared many wonderful flights together.
Tom drew very close to the Lord and was at total peace when he passed, knowing that to be absent from the body was to be present with the Lord. Tom’s legacy will forever be a kind and giving man with a servant’s heart. Tom has not gone far from all who knew and loved him because he will forever be in our hearts.
We invite you to join our family as we remember and celebrate Tom’s life on June 22nd from 1 PM - 3 PM at the Carl Junction Community Center. Please come and share your memories and stories of the time we shared together.
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