Thomas Tinsley

Thomas Lee Tinsley, 94, of Athens, Texas, died Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012, at West Place Nursing Home in Athens.

He was born May 28, 1918, in Mount Vernon, Texas, to George and Beatrice Young Tinsley. He and Peggy Jean Klingeman were married in 1984 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Tom was a "larger than life" person who was always able to find the right solution in whatever he was involved. He was president and developer of Quick Shop Market Inc., which was the beginning of the convenience-store business in eastern Missouri, starting in 1959. He also was president of the National Association of Convenience Stores in 1965.

He was a member of Hanover Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.

Survivors include a son, Clyde Tinsley (Glenda) of Malakoff, Texas; a stepson, Steven King of Cape Girardeau; two stepdaughters, Karen Gaither (Quentin) and Debbie Schrock (Paul) of Cape Girardeau; and two sisters, Nadine Jennings and Mattie Mae Bell of Mount Vernon.

Also 12 grandchildren, Thomas Tinsley (Brenda), Tonia Tinsley, Tana Tinsley, Trent Tinsley, Taylor Tinsley, Joshua Hengst, Megan Hengst, Ethan Schrock, Andrea Schrock, Cody Gaither, Nicole Gaither, Courtney King, Colin King; and six great-grandchildren, Austin Tinsley, Dylan Tinsley, Evan Lisle, Lexi Pekhum, Austin Hengst and Madison Hengst.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Peggy Jean Tinsley; three brothers, Johnnie, Ray, and Gayle Tinsley.

Friends may call 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Hanover Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Tony Kobak officiating. Burial will be in Hanover Church Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hanover Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.