Thomas Jefferson Sperry

Thomas Jefferson Sperry, 85, of California, MO entered Heavens Gates on September 15, 2020 at the Harry S. Truman Veteran's Hospital in Columbia, MO. He was born on July 4, 1935 in Clinton, MO and was the fifth of six children to Judge Floyd Logan Sperry Sr. and Effie Carolina (Julian) Sperry, both of whom preceded him in death. Tom was a graduate from Clinton High School in 1953 and also graduated from the University of Missouri with a B.A. Degree. He was united in marriage on September 21, 1956 in Versailles, MO to Wilma Jane (Batschelet) Sperry whom preceded him in death on June 4, 1995. Tom served in the United States Marine Corps in the post Korean War as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Clinton, MO. Tom encouraged Hugh to be baptized. Tom worked for the State of Missouri in insurance and spent most of his life farming. Tom was an avid reader and was well informed on all current events and loved discussing them with others. He loved history and enjoyed all books. Tom enjoyed nature and always saw Gods creations as wonderful and beautiful sharing nature with his children. He often read and told stories to his children and grandchildren. He loved to travel to Canada, Alabama, and Europe but was equally as happy to spend time on the farm and fishing. Survivors include one son, Thomas Sean Sperry of California, MO; one daughter, Peggy Bolinger and her husband Teddy of California, MO; two brothers, William Sperry of Independence, MO, Hugh Sperry of Leeton, MO; two sisters, Martha Hickman of Independence, MO, Nancy Burton of Clinton, MO; one sister-in-law, Wanda Sperry of Clinton, MO; nine grandchildren, Josh Hartley (Shasta), Serena Lee (David), Jennifer Liebi (Eddie), Sarah Bolinger, Wesley Bolinger (Miranda), Delaina Sperry, Logan Sperry, Chelsea Reynolds, Ethan Reynolds (Peter); and ten great grandchildren, longtime friend Violet (Vi) Bolin of California, MO and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by two daughters, Petricia (Pat) Ward, Theodocia Carolina (Carol) Hartley; one brother Judge Floyd Logan Sperry Jr.; and one great granddaughter Nora Jane Lee. Visitation was held on Monday, September 21, 2020 from 10:00 A.M. 11:00 A.M. with a funeral service immediately following at 11:00 A.M., all at the First Baptist Church in Clinton, MO. Officiating was Pastor Eddie Liebi, assisted by Dr. Josh Hartley. Burial was at the Englewood Cemetery in Clinton, MO, with full military honors. Memorials are suggested to the Shriners Hospital for Children c/o the funeral home. Per CDC guidelines social distancing and masks are suggested. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, 100 S. Oak St. California, MO.