Tom was a 1960 graduate of Lafayette High School in St. Joseph, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1964 from the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla, Missouri. Tom retired as the District 1 Assistant Engineer after 42 years working for MODOT.
Tom was married to Penny Thomas on January 27, 1967. She survives at their new home in Independence, Missouri. During their life together they lived in St. Joseph, Bethany, Kansas City, Jefferson City, Independence, back to St. Joseph for the last 25 years, and recently returned to Independence to be near two of their daughters who reside in the area.
Survivors also include his three daughters: Mary (Sterling) Hershey; Marcia Johnson (James Hess); and Mindy (Andy) Pettegrew; two grandsons – Jack and Max Pettegrew; one sister, Deanna (Chris) Losson; one brother, Rod (Allison) Johnson; many very-loved nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephew; and cousins.
Preceding Tom in death were his mother and father – Vera and W. O. Johnson; his sister Janice Atha; his brother Darwin Johnson; and all of his grandparents.
Tom was a man of strong faith. He was raised in the Community Presbyterian Church in St. Joseph; was a long-time member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Independence, MO; and at the time of his passing had been a long-time member of Faith United Church in St. Joseph.
He enjoyed reading, wood working, gardening, birdwatching, and watching any and all sports. He was an avid fan of the Missouri Western Griffons and a long-time member of the Gold Coat Club. He was looking very much forward to using this year’s season tickets to all the home games.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association would be appreciated.
A Visitation will be held from 3:00pm to 5:00pm on Saturday, October 10th at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO. A Graveside Service will be held at 12:00pm on Monday, October 12th at Mount Moriah Cemetery South. Please meet at the Funeral Home to process to the gravesite. All those who can attend are requested to please wear masks and keep social distancing in mind as much as possible. Family and friends are invited to Tom and Penny’s home following the interment ceremony.
