Tom Carey, 1923-2008

Published Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Thomas Judson Carey, 84, of Columbia died Saturday, May 3, 2008, at home from health complications associated with lung cancer.

Carey

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, at First Christian Church in Columbia with Dr. John Yonker officiating. The burial will follow at Memorial Cemetery in Columbia. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at First Christian Church.

Known by many as simply "T.J.," Tom was born on July 30, 1923, the only child of Thomas Olar and Goldie Atkins Carey of Higbee. Tom graduated from Higbee High School in 1941 and married Marjorie Maxine Lyon on June 27, 1942. While Tom was serving in the U.S. Army, the first of the couple’s six children, Michael, was born in Petersburg, Va. The young family returned to Missouri, settling in Columbia, where Ron, Julie, Dennis, Jim and Pam were born.

Family and faith played a central role in Tom and Marge’s life. Their strong Christian faith took Marge and Tom to First Christian Church in Columbia, where they were devoted members for more than 50 years. Tom served as deacon for more than 30 years. He also headed up a team of deacons assigned to serve communion once a month, a responsibility he took very seriously.

To many, T.J. personified grace and generosity. T.J. was always willing to help anyone in need. Tom’s sense of humor was dry, well-known and never-ending. He had an easy smile and gentle nature.

For many years, as their children were growing up, Marge and T.J. took their family back to Higbee for Sunday dinners with the family. Later in life, the Sunday dinner tradition moved to Marge and Tom’s home. Multiple generations of the family still consider T.J.’s barbecued hamburgers the best ever.

Tom’s hobbies included gardening, camping, fishing and cars. Regular family vacations included camping at Bennett Spring State Park - a trip that many of Marge and T.J.’s kids would take with their own children.

Tom’s favorite car was the Lincoln Continental. He loved to work on his cars, and one longtime neighbor marveled at T.J.’s collection of car-maintenance tools. He worked at Columbia Auto Parts for 40 years, where his co-workers called him "Tomcat," a reference from the CB era. He also owned rental property in the original southwest part of town.

Most important to Tom, however, was his family, which has now grown to 15 grandchildren, Michael, Gregory, Robyn, Jennifer, Christen, Russell, Jessica, Bryan, Matthew, Kimberly, Sean, Patrick, Elizabeth, McKinzie and Abigail; and 13 great-grandchildren, Laura, Cindy, Ryan, Caitlin, Hannah, Jacob, Rocket, Collin, Jillian, Taylor, Sidney, Bryna and River.

Later in life, he would cherish the companionship of his dogs - first Lucky, then Lucy.

Tom is survived by his six children, Michael Carey of Santa Rosa, Texas, Ronald Carey of Sabillasville, Md., Julie Hickey of Columbia, Dennis Carey of Mexico, Mo., Jim Carey of Columbia and Pam Duesenberg of Chesterfield; two daughters-in-law, Chris Carey of Santa Rosa and Dian Carey of Mexico; and two sons-in-law, John Hickey of Columbia and David Duesenberg of Chesterfield. Tom is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a legion of friends.

His wife of 64 years, Marjorie Maxine Carey, preceded him in death on Feb. 23, 2007. Tom is also preceded in death by his parents and grandchild Gregory Carey.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church in memory of Thomas Carey. Online condolences may be left at www.parkerfuneralservice.com