Thomas A. Morris, 79, of Platte City, MO, passed away on September 4, 2024. Tom was born on May 4, 1945, in Kansas City, MO to Thomas Asbury Morris II and Mary Lorraine (Bancks) Morris. He served with distinction in the U.S. Navy for six years and was a Vietnam War veteran. He continued his service in the Missouri Air National Guard for 24 years, participating in Desert Storm.
Tom was a Senior Master Sergeant, a rank that reflects his dedication and leadership throughout his military career. He was an alumnus of Rockhurst High School and furthered his education at Rockhurst College and Missouri Western State College.
A man of faith, Tom grew up attending St. Louis Catholic Church in Kansas City and was a member of Twelve Apostles Catholic Church in Platte City. His early years as an altar boy marked the beginning of a commitment to God.
As a youth, Tom was deeply involved in the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and later serving as a counselor at Osceola Boy Scout Camp Wigwam. He was also a proud member of the tribe of Mic-O-Say, an honor society that recognized Scout camping traditions.
Tom was known for his boisterous personality and generous spirit. Whether sharing jokes, hosting gatherings, playing cards with friends, volunteering at the food pantry, or helping family or friends in need, his personality shone through. These cherished qualities live on through his daughters. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Tom enjoyed playing golf and watching the Royals and Chiefs. If the tightness of a hug, could convey love, one could never doubt how much Tom loved them.
Tom married Debbie Aderton on March 21, 1997 at Shakespeare Chateau in St. Joseph, MO. They lived in St. Joseph until 2001 when they moved to Platte City.
He cherished his children and warmly welcomed their spouses into his big, beautiful, blended family. He adored each grandbaby as they arrived, held them for hours as babes, loved and spoiled them as they grew and was proud of them as students, athletes and dancers. He delighted in showing others his wallet of photos of his children and grandchildren at every opportunity.
Nothing made him happier than to have the whole group for a family gathering, and he was always eager to prepare his renowned biscuits and gravy for Christmas brunch. Another special tradition was the annual New Year’s Eve party and sleepover for the grandkids. For the first time, all eleven attended to ring in 2024.
Tom is survived by his wife, Debbie Morris; daughters, Hilary (Jon) Salanky, Heidi (Mason) Blair, Julie (Stuart) Murphy; bonus son, Adam (Carly) Aderton; bonus daughter, Libby (Ryan) Bane; sister, Patricia (John) Sandkamp. He is also survived by grandchildren: Jackson and Jane Salanky; Charley and Macklyn Tipton; Scarlett and Killian Murphy; Nolan and Reese Aderton; and Owen, Eva and Emily Bane. And a host of other relatives, friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Morris.
As Tom was known by many for his generosity, in lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Veterans Community Project, 8900 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64131 or online at veteranscommunityproject.org.
Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, Twelve Apostles Catholic Church, 17900 Humphrey’s Road, Platte City, MO. The family will attend the inurnment of his ashes at Leavenworth National Cemetery at a later date. Parish Rosary 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, Twelve Apostles Catholic Church. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, 5005 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO.
