Thomas "Tom" R. Stephenson Sr., age 85 years, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2016 at Clinton Healthcare and Rehab, Clinton, Missouri. Family will have a private graveside service on Saturday March 12, 2016, 11:00 A.M. at Braden Cemetery, Carroll County, Missouri.The memorial service is planned for Sunday, March 13, 2016 at 2:00PM at Clinton Health Care and Rehabilitation. The family wishes to thank the staff at CHCR, the veterans administration, and Twin Lakes Hospice for the care Tom received during his struggle with cancer. Memorial Contributions may be made to Twin Lakes Hospice. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Thomas Roy Stephenson, Sr. was born at the family home in Independence, Missouri on January 1, 1931 to Charles Evermond Stephenson, Sr. and Ida Lou Stephenson (née Leapley). Growing up during the Depression, he found himself having to quit school early to work long hours in a laundry and a bowling alley. Throughout these years, he helped support the large Stephenson household, which included siblings Charles E. "Bud" Jr., Eva Marie, Betty Jane, Ruth, and Bonnie Lee.

After World War II, Thomas, or "Tom" to all who knew him, was hired at Sheffield Steel in Kansas City, but that job was short lived as he was inducted into the army December 6, 1951. Tom spent most of his service in Saalfelden, Austria, where, besides duties such as driver and mail call, he served as rifle coach due to his excellent marksmanship skills. Upon returning from overseas, Tom worked as a bricklayer for the better part of the next five decades. Many houses that Tom bricked early in his career still stand in neighborhoods near Pacific Avenue in Independence. He also helped construct the Blue Ridge Mall.

Tom married Virginia Elderene "Jean" Foster (1927-2014) on February 7, 1956. The two moved frequently in the early years of their marriage to pursue work opportunities. Tom's master bricklayer skills were employed all over northern and western Missouri, including the major buildings of the University of Central Missouri, as well as the construction of the rest stop spanning I-44 in Vinita, Oklahoma.
Tom and Jean had five children. After the birth of their first son Jerry, the couple settled down back in Independence where they lived when Tom Jr., Nancy, and Joe were born. In the late 60s they moved to Caldwell County, and their older children attended Braymer Elementary at the time their youngest son Mark was born.

In 1969, the family relocated to the Lake of the Ozarks area and purchased a farm in Fortuna. Tom's bricklaying jobs during this period included the construction of barracks at Ft. Leonard Wood and a new Versailles High School (the current junior high). Tiring of commutes and wanting to spend more time with his family, he became an independent contractor specializing in residential repairs, fireplaces, and new construction, including many fine homes in Versailles and nearby communities. He was well known for his quality work and well liked by all who knew him.

Tom's children often spent summers working with him as his hod carrier. An attentive and caring father, he made sure his children knew how to get along in the world: all of the children had their fair share of chores feeding and milking cows, raising hogs for sale, keeping farm machinery running, and tending a large garden. Tom was an avid outdoorsman and hunter his entire life and shared his love for dogs and wildlife with his children. During the winter, he would hunt raccoons for fur and in competitive hunts. He raised and trained many excellent Bluetick Coonhounds, including a Grand Night Champion named Bounce, famous among hunters in central Missouri at that time. During his last years in the Versailles area, Tom was an active member of the Pentecostal Church of God.

After Tom and Jean separated in 1976, Tom relocated to Springfield where his brother Bud lived. He continued to work as a bricklayer and handyman, also developing a side business of buying and selling merchandise at flea markets and garage sales. During this period, Tom was active in several local churches and volunteered his time at homeless shelters and missions.

After a short stay in Kansas, health problems necessitated Tom's relocation to Clinton Health Care and Rehabilitation in Clinton, Missouri in 2013. He lived the last years of his life at CHCR where he was known and loved by all as one who strove to help others. In these years, Tom's greatest joy was to receive calls and visits from his family and friends. He passed peacefully at 7:17 p.m. on March 6, 2016.

Tom is survived by his sister Bonnie Lee Hutson of Independence, who kept up faithfully with Tom and helped him remain connected with other members of the family. Tom will never be forgotten by his children and their spouses: Jerry Lou Stephenson of Carlsbad, California; Thomas Roy Jr. and Teresa Stephenson of Calhoun, Missouri; Nancy Virginia Ann Stephenson of Erie, Kansas; Joseph Fred Stephenson of Abilene, Texas; and Mark and Tamara Stephenson of Willard, Missouri. In addition, Tom leaves eight beloved grandchildren: Tommy, Meg, Joyel, Jessica, Nathan, Keylin, Rebecca, and Sam; two surviving great-grandchildren, Chloe and Ian; and many other relatives and devoted friends, including the residents and staff of Clinton Health Care and Rehabilitation.

The family wishes to thank the medical professionals and support staff at CHCR, the Veteran's Administration, and Twin Lakes Hospice for the excellent care Tom received during his struggle with arthritis and prostate cancer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Twin Lakes Hospice in Clinton.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.