I will always remember Mr. Altis for his booming voice calling each of us by our last names. He was always so kind and dedicated to making history come alive for his students. Mr. Altis played such a role in my high school career, through many classes and Humanities club, helping to ensure I was truly prepared for success in college. My prayers and thoughts are with you, Mrs. Altis and the rest of the family. 

Chelsea Wallace (KNHS 2008)

Oh,Tim. What can we say?  You were there with the changing of the guards at Beacon. You were there to teach God's word to those just discovering His richness.  You were there to show the way on every float trip you planned for the young people in church. We have sorely missed your presence.  We will truly miss you - but not forever.  See you when the time comes, brother, when we meet in the arms of our Lord.
With love,
Claudia & Mike
(Beacon FWB Church)

Mr. Altis,
You are so deeply missed. The world lost a great man. You always had a smile on your face and were so encouraging. I know you are in heaven in no more pain. May God be with all your family in this time of need.

Tim was a fine classmate at Raytown High School and I know that his talent and love for history led him to do a wonderful job as a teacher.  

Bill Snyder RHS '71
Senior Deputy County Attorney
Jackson County, Missouri
wsnyder14@comcast.net

I worked with Mr. and Mrs. Altis at Knob Noster for 5 years. They were both amazing teachers. e and Tim would spend time talking about current events, history and politics. I really miss those times. I loved walking by his just to hear his bellowing deep laughter.  He would let his presence be known to the incoming freshmen every year through his larger than life deep voice.  Tim was an amazing teacher but most of all he was my friend.  Tim I will miss you a lot my friend. One day we can continue our conversations in heaven.

Mrs. Sherry Altis, I was going to call Mr. Altis when he got home. It never occurred to me that he may die. He was larger than life from the first day I saw him chewing his gum telling us the class rules. He was an amazing teacher. I am still horrified at the images of the Holocaust rescues and the stories of children fed their family pets during the Great Depression. The best thing he ever did was to ask me how I felt about a topic only to make me debate the other side. I took every class he had to offer. History, Comparative Religions, Contemporary Issues. Hell, I would have taken Basket Weaving if he wanted to teach it. I am so sorry for your loss. I am so sorry for the world's loss. He was a teacher who valued teaching our youth to critically think more than to regurgitate material. He took time to take the children out of the class rooms whether it was field trips or The Humanities Club. He took us to my first soup kitchen experience and we served up his amazing lasagna. Oh, and he made us write the significance of every event mentioned in "We Didn't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel. This was a very difficult task before Google! We had to use an encyclopedia and I cringe whenever I hear that song because I procrastinated and waited until the day before to complete the assignment. He read "Forever Young" to every Senior class. I attended your wedding and you attended mine. Damn it, even today he taught me a harsh lesson. Don't take it for granted. I should have sent that card or called sooner. Please accept my deepest sympathies. I am so sad to hear that he is gone. I am sorry that I can't be there to properly pay my respects. Class of 1997, Tina Sapp

Mr. Altis you truly were inspiration to many students and teachers alike. I am honored to have had you as a teacher. Sending prayers to your family in this time of need.

Dear Sherry:
Diane and I extend our deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your husband, Tim.

I worked with Tim for about 5 years before him and Mrs. Altis retired from Knob Noster.  Tim has a caring and gentle soul.  We would spend time talking about current events, politics and it was great.  His larger than life deep bellowing laugh was awesome to hear as I walked down the hall or when a new incoming class of freshmen would get to experience his deep voice for the first time.  He was an amazing teacher but most of he was my friend.  I will miss you Tim!

I'll never forget on my last day in his class, my senior year, the last thing he said to me, "Godspeed Miss Park." 


Godspeed, Mr. Altis.

Our family knew the Altis family in the late 50s, early 60s.  Attended the same church.  We always thought highly of the Altis'.  Lost track as we all grew older.  Tim, see you in the hereafter.  You got an early reward brother.

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Mr. Altis' passing.  He was truly a great teacher in the classroom and outside of it as many former students can attest.

I am so deeply sorry to hear of your loss. Tim was a wonderful person to work with. I have many fond memories of the time I spent at KNHS working with Tim. Your family will be in my prayers. 
Love and prayers,
Wendy Brock

Tim's legacy lives on in his students.  His love of his subject and his love of teaching will follow students through their lives.  He pushed his students to to levels they thought they couldn't reach but they did and they remember him for that.  Our prayers to Sherry and family.  Coworkers Karen and Paul Dorsey

So sorry to hear of Mr. Altis' passing. He was a truly great and caring teacher. I will continue lifting your family up in prayer.

Daniel, Samuel, Sherry, and Rutha, my deepest sympathy in the passing of Tim. As we grew up we were like brothers, I have probably floated every river in southern Mo and Arkansas at least once with him, just know today he is at peace and has no more pain May God Bless you during this time

OBITUARY

Timothy Eugene Altis

17 December, 1952 – 2 November, 2014

Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home

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