Tom Anderson

Fortified with the sacraments of the Holy Mother Church, Tom Anderson, 69, passed away Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, at his home in Jackson.

He was born May 7, 1941, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Paul and Betti Mae Anderson Anderson. He and Mary Gaffey were married Feb. 23, 1963, in LeMars, Iowa.

Tom worked 25 years as general manager with River Eagle Distributing Co. in Cape Girardeau. He was active in the Jackson community, serving on the park board several years and briefly on the planning and zoning board.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Bishop-Timon Council 6405. His civic memberships include Jackson Evening Optimist Club since 1990, formerly serving as secretary and treasurer, and Jackson Elks.

He especially enjoyed working with youth, both in the Optimist Club and as the boys basketball coach at Immaculate Conception in the 1970s.

Gardening, golf and riding his Harley "Tumbleweed" were Tom's passions. Another great joy in his life was his family. His pride in his children's accomplishments and demeanor was evidenced in the stories he would tell. Family, friends and acquaintances will all tell tales of Tom's humor and quick wit with which he kept us on our toes and laughing.

Tom enjoyed entertaining and used any excuse or occasion to have a yard or patio full of friends just waiting for the delicious food to come off the grill. The annual Anderson games would also fill the yard as friends ate, drank, tried to master garageball, and competed for the homemade trophy and bragging rights for the year. With Tom at the grill, you were guaranteed to eat well and laugh heartily.

Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 48 years, Mary of Jackson; three children, Nancy (Mike) Winchester of Marble Hill, Mo., Matt (Kris) Anderson of Amherst, Mass., Sarah Anderson of Denver, Colo.; two grandchildren, Zach Winchester of Marble Hill, Morgan Winchester (Tony Kuehnel) and their son Payson of Burfordville; three siblings, JoEllen (Donnie) Baker of Agency, Iowa, Dennis (Marty) Anderson of Ottumwa, and Jay (Teresa) Anderson of Blair, Neb.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. Deacon Walt Biri will lead parish prayers at 7:30.

The Rev. John Harth will officiate a memorial Mass at 11 a.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Church. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Southeast Hospice, Immaculate Conception Building Fund, Jackson City Park or the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.