Tommy Lee Yow, age 72, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully with his daughter and oldest grandson holding his hands June 6th, 2022, at Medicalodge in Butler, MO.
Tommy was born in Winston-Salem, NC on July 26th, 1949. He graduated with Parkland class of 1967. After graduating he made a career in the U.S. Air Force. Tommy enjoyed his many tours overseas including a tour in Thailand, Saudi Arabia, two tours in Germany, and several state side assignments. He then proudly retired as a Master Sargent.
Tommy had a big heart for his dachshunds and cats. He enjoyed going to eat his favorite meal, breakfast at Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, and IHOP with family and friends. He loved watching Hallmark Christmas movies, and the tv series Monk. Tommy was a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys, and sports in general. He enjoyed walking around Joplin, and even stopping to help defenseless turtles in the road.
Survivors include his daughter Melissa and husband Byron West of Nevada, MO, and son Mike Yow of Oronogo, MO; grandchildren, Jake (Taylor) Brasfield, Caleb Splitter, Connor (Lauren) West, Hailey Bogardus and husband Clayton, Savannah Yow, Jackson West, Sophia and Seanna Yow, Adelaide West; and 6 great grandkids.
Tommy was preceded in death by his father and mother Floyd and Margaret Yow, brother Ronnie and sister Kay, nephew Christopher and daughter in law Angela Yow.
Randy Coleman will conduct funeral services at 12:00 noon on Friday, June 17th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in U. S. National Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Air Force Honor Guard.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:00 until 12:00 at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to either the Joplin Humane Society or Water Garden Ministries and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
The kindest, most gentle Man , with a great sense of humor.
Tom was a great guy, co-worker, teammate, and friend during our time together at Hessisch-Oldendorf Air Station, GE from 1976-1979! Really enjoyed arguing with him about our various sports’ teams, while having a cold German bier or 2….Prost Tom, and Rest-In-Peace; you’ve earned it my friend!
Rest in peace, Tommy. My deepest sympathies o Melissa and Mike and your families.
Knew Tom from Shaw AFB in Mid 70’s. Played basketball in our back yard. He and his family were great neighbors. RIP friend.
My heart is so sad to hear about your dad. We talked on occasion on the phone mostly about our dogs. We both loved our doxies and they gave us so much in return. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. He was quite the character and always knew how to make me laugh.
Sd loss of one of our greatest Parkland Mustang. stars……