Walter Sieberg Jr.

Walter T. "Tom" Sieberg Jr., 66, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016, at Poplar Bluff (Missouri) Regional Medical Center, after a brief illness.

Tom was born Oct. 25, 1949, to Lillian Mae and Walter T. Sieberg Sr. in Cape Girardeau.

He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.

Throughout his years, he also was actively involved with the Freemasons, having held a 32nd Master Mason degree, as well as membership in the Scottish Rite. He most recently was a member of Harold O. Grauel Lodge in Cape Girardeau and served as secretary of the Frank S. Land Fund. He also was a past master and spent additional time involved with the Shriners.

Tom received bachelor of arts, master of arts and specialist degrees in education -- and coupled this with his lifelong love of music -- to spend his years teaching scores of K-12 students band, choir and music appreciation. Over the years he was both a teacher and administrator, having worked in the Van Buren, Naylor, Bell City, Newburg and Sikeston, Missouri, school systems.

He excelled at playing most musical instruments. He first learned to play the piano and organ, followed by the trombone, tuba, saxophone, clarinet, trumpet and guitar. In fact, he played for many church and civic service organizations throughout his years, including piano for the Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau and Senior Citizen Centers in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, as well as for the residents of Current River Skilled Nursing Center in Doniphan, Missouri, where he was staying shortly before his death. He could play many songs on the piano and organ from memory and always was entertaining, holding himself to a high standard of musical achievement. One of his fondest memories was taking part in a Miami Super Bowl halftime show with the Golden Eagles Marching Band. His history as a music educator inspired countless others to never forget the power of a song.

He was incredibly fond of animals and had many treasured four-legged companions (cats and dogs alike) throughout his life. He also loved to watch old Westerns, Elvis Presley and listening to the radio -- everything from 1940s swing music to jazz.

He is survived by his daughter, Heather (Mark) Johnson of Doniphan; and a brother, Randy (Cheryl) Sieberg of Columbia, Missouri; as well as a number of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, including his longtime neighbor, Marty King, and his favorite feline companion, Miss Kitty, the Original California Cat.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved Boston bull terrier, Baxter Brownie Sieberg.

If sending flowers does not fit your personality, Tom's family would encourage donations to your favorite animal shelter or the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, in memory of him.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau, with a Masonic service at 6:30 p.m.

A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Tom Sullenger officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

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