Thomas Emerson, 66, of Springfield, Missouri, comfortably passed away on October 21, 2019 at 8:25 pm surrounded by family.

He was born to loving and supportive parents Vaughn and Enid Emerson, on November 12, 1952, in Austin, Texas. Tom graduated from Pattonville High School just outside of St. Louis, Missouri and earned a degree from the University of New Mexico. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force.

Tom is survived by his brother Daryl Emerson and wife Michele, daughter Jennifer Polo and husband Rafael, son Jerry Emerson and wife Jennifer, daughter Aubrey Combs and husband Heath, favorite niece Amanda Emerson, nephew Ryan Emerson and wife Abby, grandchildren Brandon, Jacob, Dorian, Damion, Daniel, Emma and Makenzie.

Tom was known for his passion of music, especially blues and rock and roll.  He frequently attended blues festivals and concerts as well as held the office of President of the Blues Society of the Ozarks. He loved baseball and rooted for the St. Louis Cardinals. He also enjoyed throwing tennis balls for his dogs Buddy and Slim, scuba diving, fishing from his bass boat, surfing, photography and skiing. Over the last few years of his life he enjoyed volunteering at the Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, Missouri and taught guests about its animals, his favorite being the bears.

A celebration of life will be held in Springfield, MO.  The family requests people make donations in support of Rescue One animal rescue of Springfield or Wonders Of Wildlife, in lieu of sending flowers.

“I know I am not a young man but I look back over my youth,

And think of those who saved me as I wandered from the truth.

I'm not afraid of dying, when it come my time I'll know.

I'll meet you over yonder, everybody's got to go”. 

- Buddy Guy, Tom’s favorite Blues musician