Thomas W. Christopher
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Thomas Wesley Christopher, 92, passed away at his home in Colonial Highlands, Blue Springs on Saturday, January 29, 2022, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren with the help of the staff of One Community Hospice.
A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at First Baptist Church of Blue Springs, 4500 Little Blue Parkway, Independence, Missouri. You can also watch the service live by going to live.fbcbluesprings.org. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with the Celebration of Life starting at noon. Burial will take place at a later date at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville.
Tom was born on July 22, 1929, in Flat River, Missouri approximately 6 miles from Bonne Terre, Missouri. His parents were Edward and Ruby Christopher. Tom’s family includes his wife, Beverly; son, Brent Marriott (Darla); daughter, Marcie Marriott; granddaughters, Emily Woodring, (Maxx); Ally, (Stuart); and grandson, Grant Pierson. He was the oldest of seven children: Edward Christopher (Shirley), Paul Christopher, Nancy Lawson, Sidney Christopher (Mary), John William Christopher (Joyce),
and Richard Christopher (LeeAnn).
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Edward and Paul, his brother-in-law, Earl Lawson, and wife Mary Hughes Christopher.
Tom married Mary in 1951 and joined the United States Marine Corp where they were stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Much of his time in the Marines was spent in the Mediterranean during the Korean War. Mary and Tom were married for 43 years before her death in 1994. He was blessed to marry Beverly Marriott Christopher in 1997. They lived in Independence until 2019 before moving to Blue Springs, Missouri. Bev and Tom were married for 24 ½ years.
His education included: Bonne Terre High School, Rolla School of Mines and Metallurgy, and Central Missouri State University. All his education was in preparation for a lifelong career as a licensed/certified/professional engineer, civil engineer, and the first Director of Public Works for the city of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. He served as a Jackson County Engineer before retiring in 1990.
His religious life included the catholic church as a child, 50 years as a deacon/ member of First Baptist Church of Independence, Woods Chapel Methodist, Sycamore Hills Baptist, and the last 5 years at First Baptist Church of Blue Springs. He enjoyed serving the Lord in multiple ways. Tom served as a hospice volunteer for One Community Hospice for 15 years and as a volunteer at the Groves where he was known as the “Candy Man.” He provided candy bars and visits to the residents of White Oak Care Center. Tom regularly visited hospice patients helping them reminisce about their life, careers, and veteran experiences.
Tom was a loving friend to people of all ages. He never met a stranger and the love he demonstrated for others was life changing. Tom was greatly loved and will be missed by all.
Brenda and I were so saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. What a wonderful Christian man and friend he was. Tom always had a smile on his face and an encouraging attitude to all around him. God bless Tom Christopher and his family. We are all a little better for knowing him.
Bev-I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a great man!
My condolences to you, Bev, and to all of your family. Tom was a lovely person in spirit and in service and I know he will be missed.
Bev,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. i remember meeting Tom one time on the Independence Square. You both seemed so very happy together. i learned about the heartfelt work and dedication you both had involving hospice care. You have always had the gift of taking a sad time and turning it into something positive. I betcha Tom is passing out candy bars in heaven already.
Deepest sympathy,
Becky
Bev and Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Tom’s passing; he was always such a sweet and affable gentlemen, as well as “active asset” in Christ’s Kingdom, so we cannot help but to be SO happy for him to be in His Lord’s presence!!
We will be praying for you folks in the days and weeks ahead; please let us know the details of his military service when these become available…Blessings!!
Bev and family:
I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by so many. My prayers are with you all.
So sorry to learn of Tom’s passing.
I enjoyed hearing stories about the good times he had with my father… Bernie Vaughan.
Bev,
I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May God surround you with his loving grace, peace and comforting love.
God bless you,
Susie
Bev, I am so sorry for your loss. You took such great care of him. He seemed like a wonderful Godly man who deeply loved the Lord, loved you and his family, friends and church. The heavens certainly rejoiced when he was called Home. May our Lord give you peace and comfort. Love you. Jan Perry
Dear Bev,
I’m sorry I did no have the opportunity to know you. Tom was a very important part of the William Pope family. He and my dad, William Pope, grew up more like brothers than uncle and nephew. Tom was godfather to my sister Jennie and he and Mary visited our home often. An example of his caring heart was that one Christmas, when I was 8 or maybe 9 years old, I was ill and missed the family gathering, so he and Mary came to keep me company – a very special memory for me.
I hope your good memories will help you through this sad time. Best regards,
Carmen (Pope) Burrows