Thomas Caldwell Mann, age 73, passed away in Kansas City, Mo., on July 3, 2007.
Tom was born in Camden, Ark., on April 24, 1934. He was the son of the late Frank Mann and Dorothy Louise Morgan Mann, of Camden.
He married Mildred I. Gunnell on Dec. 15, 1957, at Shiloh Methodist Church in Crocketts Bluff, Ark. Tom and Millie, his wonderful wife of 50 years, are now dancing in heaven together.
He graduated from Fairview High School, Camden. Tom served his basic training in the military at Fort Chaffee, Ark. The remainder of his military service was spent at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from the University of Arkansas Medical Center in Little Rock, with a degree in medical technology. Tom moved to Joplin in 1959 and was named coordinator of the St. Johns School of Medical Technology, a position he held for 12 years. He was employed by Fergusons Medical Laboratories for 35 years and retired as laboratory manager in 1997.
Tom was an active enthusiastic member of First United Methodist Church and gladly served in many areas. He was a long-time member of the Tri-M Sunday School Class. Taking photos for the church website and for Show-Me Magazine brought Tom much joy. In addition to Sams Club and the Dollar Store, another favorite destination of Toms was Branson, Mo. He served as the citys self-appointed PR spokesperson and tour guide. Tom joined Kiwanis in 1999, and enjoyed participating in Apple Sales, Peanut Days, USA Baseball and the Air Show. Tom loved people and never met a stranger. His family and friends who knew him well referred to him as the Energizer Bunny to the very end.
Tom is survived by three daughters and their spouses, Cindy and Rich Miller, Overland Park, Kan., Terri and Jerry Fields, Leawood, Kan., and Angie and Tim Lee, Rolla, Mo.; and nine grandchildren, Maxwell Preston Miller, Catherine Grace Miller, Madeline Corrine Miller, Christopher Thomas Fields, Ellen Grace Fields, Emma Renee Fields, Hannah Elizabeth Lee, Rebekah Elizabeth Lee and Abigail Elizabeth Lee. He also considered his wifes nine brothers and sisters and their spouses as his family.
A service to celebrate Toms life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Joplin, on Tuesday, July 10, at 7 p.m. A private family burial was held at Shiloh Cemetery in Crocketts Bluff, Ark., on July 6.
Arrangements are under the direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin.
In lieu of flowers, Tom requested that donations be made to the Missions Committee of the First United Methodist Church, 501 West 4th Street, Joplin, Mo., 64801. Phone: (417)623-2796.
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