Herman 'Tommie' McElmurry

Herman Thomas "Tommie" McElmurry, 60 years, 10 months, of Cape Girardeau passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, June 17, 2015, at his home.

He was born Aug. 28, 1954, in Diehlstadt, Missouri, to the union of the late Herman McElmurry and Leanna Yarber McElmurry. He attended Diehlstadt Elementary School and graduated from Kelly High School in Benton, Missouri.

Tommie was united in marriage to Regina Jewel Wade on Aug. 17, 1985. Together they raised four children: Kimyatta, Dorian, Cara and Thomas.

Tommie was a member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau for over 37 years. Over the years he served as Usher Board president, Youth Department worker, and was most recently ordained as a church Deacon. He also was a long-time member of Harmony Masonic Lodge No. 40 Prince Hall affiliated, where he served in the offices of worshipful master, junior warden, senior warden and 20-plus years as secretary.

Tommie was employed by Procter & Gamble Paper Products Co. for over 25 years, retiring in August 2002. He also was a part-time employee of the American Red Cross after retirement from P&G.

Tommie leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Regina Jewel McElmurry of Cape Girardeau; daughter Kimyatta Simone Gibson (Shawn) of Pinson, Alabama; son Dorian Lamont McElmurry of Greensboro, North Carolina; daughter Cara Nicole McElmurry of Cape Girardeau; and son Thomas Mashal McElmurry of Los Angeles; four granddaughters, Hannah and Olivia Gibson and Chloe and Sereniti McElmurry; his mother, Leanna McElmurry; brothers Albert Carter and Michael McElmurry; sisters Marilyn Newbern, Marlena Conner (Ross), Helen Pearson (Larry) and Patricia Wilson (Richard); in addition to a large host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herman McElmurry.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Friday at Greater Dimension Ministries in Cape Girardeau, with Masonic services to be at 12:30 p.m.

Homegoing services will take place at 2 p.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Dr. Joseph G. Cotton Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmont Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.