Thomas R. Dick

Thomas R. Dick, age 79, of rural Jerico Springs, Missouri, passed away Friday, December 23, 2011 at Mercy St. John's Hospital in Springfield.      Tom was born April 14, 1932 at Palisade, Colorado, one of the two sons of Con & Edna (Connor) Dick. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Marion "Curly" Dick; and two nephews, Craig and Doug Dick.      On April 24, 1978, at Greenfield, Missouri, Tom married Donna (Skager) White and she survives of the home.  Also surviving are four sons and their wives, Elwyn & Christine White, Godfrey, Illinois, Kevin & Penny White, Lockwood, Trent & Cathy White, Aurora, and Gary & Nina White, Lamar; four daughters, Renee & husband Tim Sayler, Underwood, North Dakota, Marva & husband Bill Schnaufer, Lamar, Emily Kriebs, Mandan, North Dakota, and Jean Dick & partner Robert Boyd, Fair Grove. Tom leaves 22 grandchildren, Melanie, Britanie, Ashley, Bradley, Kailynn, Petra, Jordan, Ele, Thomas, Jessica, Rebecca, T.J., Cassie, Katie, Autumn, Seth, Tyler, Trevor, Michael, Samm, David, and Chris; and seven great-grandchildren, Garrett, Madyson, Addie, Johnny, Toby, Kambryn, and Kellen.  He was looking forward the birth of two great-granddaughters, Eden and Jenny, this spring.      Tom served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 20 years, retired as a Master Sergeant and was an active member of Lockwood American Legion Post 372.  After a second career in farming, Tom was able to truly embrace retirement.  He followed sports and was an enthusiastic St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.  Through television, he kept up with current affairs and politics.  He and Donna found time for enjoyable day trips to area casinos.  But time spent with family and friends was his favorite pastime. Tom will be forever remembered by his children and grandchildren for his quick wit, wonderful songs, and uncanny sense of humor.      Honoring Tom's wishes, he was cremated and a private family service will be held at a later date.