Thomas Ray Martin

Thomas Ray Martin, 67, of Sedalia, lost his battle with cancer on Friday, March 15, 2024, at his home in Sedalia. He was born on March 12, 1957, in Cape Girardeau, MO, the son of loving parents Millard, Jr., and Ruth Rudolphi Martin, who preceded him in death.

Survivors include his long-time companion of the home, Penny Ford of Sedalia; daughter, Amanda, and grandson, Asher Martin of Sedalia; brother, David Martin of St. Peters, MO; sister, Becki Richardson of Sedalia; extended family, Cachet Ash of Sedalia, Kristin Larson (Nate) of Greenwood, MO, Samantha Ash (Jason Stanley) of Viera, FL; three nephews, J.B. Martin (Hayley) and family of Oakdale, CA, Adam Martin (Atena) of Foristell, MO, Michael Richardson (Caitlin) and family of Columbia, MO; and niece, Missy Martin Reiter (Bill) of St. Louis, MO. Along with Asher, he was proud Papa Tom to Kailey, Sydnie, Zoe, and Jessica Schreiner, Aubrey and Norah Larson, and Lily Stanley.

Tom was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Bev Martin and brother-in-law, Jerry Richardson.

When Tom was a toddler, his family moved to Kansas, then Nebraska, and later to Sedalia in 1971. Tom participated in basketball, track, and cross country while attending Smith-Cotton High School, graduating in 1975. After high school, Tom attended State Fair Community College and earned a degree in Electronics in 1977.

He worked as the Manager at Show Me Electronics, Cybertel Cellular, and then began working as an Advertising Executive for the Sedalia Democrat in 1997, where he worked for almost 30 years.

Tom enjoyed astronomy, fishing, hunting, and guitars. He taught himself to play the guitar and became quite an accomplished guitar player. Tom has played with many bands over the years. Tom has also run sound and lights for several area bands over the years.

Guitars weren't Tom's only passion; so was politics. Tom believed everyone deserved the right to adequate and affordable health care, a living wage, affordable housing, an exceptional education and clean environment. If Tom were here, he would tell you that your power is in the voting booth. Get registered and VOTE.

Guitars, politics, and, yes, Tom loved sports. The Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, Sporting KC, and the Kansas Jay Hawks were his teams. Rock Chalk!

Tom also enjoyed his home life. He loved sitting in his yard watching the hummingbirds and the yard bunnies. He also loved playing with his dogs.

Tom considered himself a lucky man who was blessed with a loving family and wonderful friends. To all those who made memories with him along his life journey, Tom would like you to cherish those memories and keep sharing them with others. Most of all Tom wants you to know, that in his life, he's loved you all.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Rea Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Roger Sherman officiating. The family suggests that Kansas City Chiefs or The Beatles attire be worn to the service.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

Burial will be held in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Honorary bearers will be Kevin Dodd, Dennis Weaver, Jamie Royeton, Gaylin Dedrick, and Jeff Cline.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.