Thomas "Tom" Wilmes Sr.

Thomas “Tom” Joseph Wilmes Sr., passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, December 13th, 2024.

Tom was born in Maryville, Missouri on October 28th, 1954 to Aloysius and Alfreda Wilmes. He grew up on a farm in rural Missouri and attended Albany R-3 for school. He left school to help his dad on the farm. Tom was the oldest boy of the twelve Wilmes siblings: Phyllis, Donna, Linda, Mary, Jerry, George, Andy, Sue, Laverne, Curt, and Randy. A big Catholic family who loved to unite at their dad Ally's house to play cribbage or pitch, throw horseshoes, and drink beer, while the kids played outside on the farm and blew off fireworks.

Tom worked in the steel industry his whole adult life; first at Pittsburgh Des Moines (PDM) Steel and then later retiring from State Steel. He was a lifelong football fan, especially the Kansas City Chiefs-- his "Chiefies". You could often find him sitting at the bar playing the ticket machines or stopping by Casey's for a cheeseburger and a pop. He had a quick wit and you never really knew when he would debut a new one-liner, but it was sure to make you laugh.

The true highlight of his life were his four boys: TJ, Dustin, Nate, and Jordan. He was never shy to tell anyone who would listen how proud he was of his boys. And he was never afraid to share his love either; he always hung up the phone or said goodbye with a "love you".

Tom is preceded in death by his parents and the mothers of his children Terri Tuttle Wilmes and Lisa Wilde Wilmes.

Tom is survived by his children TJ, Dustin (Shavonn), Nate (Daelah), and Jordan (Brian), grandchildren, his 11 brothers and sisters, and countless (yes, we really lost count) nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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