Thomas Uelsmann

BENTON, Mo. -- Thomas A. Uelsmann, 85, of Benton, finally gave up the battle and went home to his Heavenly Father Saturday, June 11, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

Thomas was born on April 8, 1926 at Illmo, Mo., to Walter H. and Eva L. Edmonds Uelsmann. He married Mary Belk on Sept. 8, 1946, at Illmo; they were married for over 64 years.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Larry (Joyce) Uelsmann of Benton; a daughter, Shari (Dale) Napier of Springboro, Ohio; four granddaughters, Elizabeth Figueroa, Stephanie Coates, Danielle Napier and Alexandra Napier, all of Springboro; six great-grandchildren, Liam, Keira and Adeline Coates, Jude and Ruby Hunt and Lena M. Figueroa; one brother, Joe Uelsmann of Fort Gibson, Okla.; and one sister Vivian Smart of Fort Gibson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Ruby Ridenour; and a brother, Glenn Earl Uelsmann.

Tom proudly served as a gunner's mate in the U.S. Navy in World War II and in the Korean War. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 6407.

Tom served as a cashier and later president and chairman of the board of Scott City Bank until retiring in 1991. He was also a State Farm Insurance agent for 32 years. He served on several county boards. He worked very hard to get the towns of Ancell, Fornfelt and Illmo to unite. He was a lifetime member of Eisleben Lutheran Church in Scott City.

He was president of the Paso Fino Horse Association from 1981 to 1983. In 2001, he and Mary were the first couple to be inducted into the Paso Fino Hall of Fame. Tom's true love was working on his farm.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel and from 9 a.m. until service time Tuesday at Eisleben Lutheran Church.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church with the Rev. Rick Foss officiating.

Burial with full military honors will follow in the church cemetery.