Thomas Leslie Eichelberger, age 61, of Kingsville, MO, passed away at Kansas City Hospice House on Saturday, October 4, 2014.
Tom was born on November 4, 1952 in Fitchburg, MA, the son of Reuben Eichelberger and Bertha (Gilliland) Vollmer. As a young boy Tommy liked spending time with his grandmother Frances (Fanny) Gilliland in Franklin, MO. He graduated from O’Hara High School, class of 1971. After graduation Tom worked in commercial and residential building, as a concert stage hand, a picture framer and a mover. Tom married Polly Ketterman on May 7, 1998, at the First Baptist Church of El Dorado Springs, MO. The couple built a home in Kingsville, MO where they raised their daughter, Mattie. Tom enjoyed spending every moment he could with Polly and Mattie whether it was outdoors planting trees or on the basketball court coaching 6th and 7th grade girls to league championships. Tom came to know Christ as his personal Savior in 2001 at the age of 48. At the First Baptist Church in Holden he served as building trustee then sometime after was called to ministry as the AWANA Commander at Lone Jack Baptist Church where he served for 8 years. Known as Captain Tom, children were given the opportunity to serve others, memorize verses and learn about God’s Word.
Preceding Tom in death were his mother, Bertha Vollmer and his mother-in-law Elda Jean Ketterman. Survivors include Polly and Mattie, both of the home and son Derek, as well as his siblings Simone Eichelberger, Liza (Eichelberger) Childs and James Eric Mansfield. Tom also leaves behind aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of in-laws.
In lieu of flowers, Tom has requested all gifts go to Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child’s Christmas Shoe Boxes. Services will be held at Lone Jack Baptist Church, Lone Jack, MO, October 8 at 4:00. The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 until time of service at the church.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441