Thomas Larner

Thomas Bright Larner, 76, of Moberly, MO went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, July 22, 2021.

He was born, October 2, 1944 in Hartford, CT, to Rodney Ashworth (Harless) and Dortha Dorene (Pittsenbarger) Larner.

Tom was married to Birdie Louise “Chick” Welborn for 38 years until her passing in 2005. He later married Sharon Kay Palmatory, April of 2011. They thoroughly enjoyed their time together until her passing, July of 2019. 

He served our country first in the US Marine Corps, including a tour of duty in Vietnam, prior to his honorable discharge. He later enlisted in the US Air Force, retiring from service in 1985 from Andrews AFB, Maryland, after receiving his second honorable discharge.   

Tom was very active in every church he attended, spanning more than 60 years. He was a life member of the Avanti Owners Association International (AOAI), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA). He was also a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Tom’s family will always remember him as a strong, caring, loving, kindhearted and sometimes funny guy. He was a very special man who will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his first wives, Birdie Louise & Sharon Kay; his parents, Rodney and Dortha Larner, his oldest son Richard Michael Larner, oldest daughter, Sharon Wayne (Larner) Hinkle and youngest daughter, Cynthia Michelle Larner, and one grandson Horace Allen (Sparky) Needham.

Tom is survived by his son Thomas Bright Larner II & and his wife Rebecca; son-in-law Michael Paul Hinkle; grandchildren: Cynthia Michelle Bailey, Richard Michael Larner II, Rev. Robert Terry Prather III & Kasey, Dominick James Larner Sr, & Megan; Joshua Ryan Hinkle, Thomas Bright Larner III, Lauren Nicole Hinkle, Victoria Elizabeth Hood & Kyon, Tiffany Nicole Larner, Sarah Louise Prather, Michael James Hinkle, Jacob Matthew Hinkle, Taylor Lynn Larner and Tori Noel Larner, 19 great-grandchildren and his furry companion; Ruby Francine (Fancy); One brother Roger Allen Larner & Dolly, and many nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends.

Memorial contributions are appreciated to: Moberly First Assembly of God Church’s Building Fund.

Words of comfort and support were shared with the family at the visitation, held in Cater Funeral Home Chapel. Services honoring Tom’s life followed, concluding with full military honors. Private committal prayer and burial was at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery.