Thomas V Howser

If you ever met Tom Howser the first thing you noticed was his big smile and the second thing you would notice was twinkle in his eye; because Tom loved life and was bound and determined to brighten your day too.

Thomas Virgil Howser was born on the 24th of June in 1940, to Virgil and Lavern Close Howser in Eldon.  He grew up in Eldon with one brother and four sisters and spent his days like most kids; outside, playing ball and helping out around the family home.

He attended school in Eldon until enlisting in the US Navy in August of 1957.  While in the Navy he was stationed on the USS Renville, APA-227. He participated in Operation Hardtack in 1958 near Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands where atomic bomb testing took place during the Cold War.  Little did he know the effects of the experiments that were taking place. He received his honorable discharge in March of 1961, and returned to central Missouri where he raised two girls of his own.

Tom’s life was spent in service to others, first in the military and then in law enforcement.  He served as Chief of Police in Eldon in the late 60’s – early 70’s.  When he wasn’t working in law enforcement he used his carpentry skills in the community building various construction projects for people in the area.  Tom's skill with construction led to a job as a housing inspector with the Community Development Block Grant Association located in Jefferson City; where he retired after several years of employment.

On October 19, 1996, at the Christ Lutheran Church in Stover, Tom married Cheryl Brown Trick and a new chapter of sharing adventures began.  Tom and Cheryl were often known to just get in the car and go find a new place to explore or travel to one of the many BlueGrass Festivals in the area.  When they weren’t out and about you could find Tom taking in a stray cat or dog, because he had a soft spot for all animals.

He loved his community and after moving to Stover he was active in the Galloway-Martens American Legion Post 343, serving on their funeral honors detail as long as he was able.  He also maintained a lifetime membership in the National Association of Atomic Veterans.

Tom was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, enjoyed watching NASCAR, tinkering in his workshop on woodworking projects, and when he was able, playing a game of softball.

Tom and Cheryl found a church home at the Stover First Baptist Church, where he faithfully attended until his health began to fail him.

On Sunday, October 4, 2020, shortly before midnight, Tom’s faith in God was fulfilled when he passed away at the Golden Age Living Center in Stover, where he had resided for the past few years due to dementia.

Those left to remember Tom’s legacy include his beloved wife Cheryl Howser who survives at their home; one daughter, Patricia Allen of Eldon; his mother-in-law, Shirley Brown of Stover; three sisters, Judy Dane of Huntsville; Mary Pershall and husband Tom of Eldon and Lavern Branstetter and husband Roy of Eldon; six grandchildren, Courtney Allen, Ambret Mistler and husband Alex, Bryce Howser, Conner Hoock, Rusty Hoock and wife Macy and Hunter Trick; five great grandchildren, along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Cynthia Hoock, one brother, Paul E. “Butch” Howser, one sister, Margaret Ann Richardson and one great grandson.

In keeping with his wishes, he was cremated.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon Saturday, November 7, 2020 at the Stover First Baptist Church.  A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday at the Stover First Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Roe officiating. The family is requiring masks inside the church and social distancing will be observed. Military honors will be presented by the American Legion Post 343 and a funeral honors team.  Inurnment will be in the St. John Cemetery-Boeschenville.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Stover First Baptist Church or the Stover Animal Shelter.

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