Ralph Thomas “Tom” Bloesser

Ralph Thomas “Tom” Bloesser, 82, Walker, passed away on Sunday, May 14, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada. Tom was born Nov. 29, 1934, in Rushville, Ill., the son of Ralph and Irene (Johnson) Bloesser. On April 4, 1954, he was united in marriage to Leta Lucille (Dicks) Bloesser at Berea Christian Church in rural Vernon County and she survives of the home.

After traveling to several states with his father’s construction work, Tom’s family settled on a farm in rural Walker. Tom attended Walker High School and graduated in 1952 as the first male Valedictorian. Following graduation, he began his lifelong career as a farmer. Tom and Leta enjoyed 42 years of row crop farming and dairy production.

He was a lifelong member of Walker Christian Church. He was a 65-year member of Walker No. 605 and Nevada No. 303 Masonic Lodges, holding numerous offices. He was also a member of O’Sullivan Commandry, Walker No. 110 and Nevada No. 53 Eastern Star and Blue Mound Grange No. 2230. Tom worked at Camp Clark as a medic with the Missouri National Guard for 12 years. He served on the Walker R-4 School Board, Public Water District Board and Walker Christian Church Board. He also enjoyed volunteering his time helping area youth with various 4-H projects. Along with his family, they received the Missouri “Farm Family” award.

Tom’s hobbies included playing softball, reading, working with metal, woodworking, taking care of animals and driving his beloved green tractor. He never met a stranger, and always had a story to tell or kind words to share. Tom had a great sense of humor, keeping all around him laughing at his jokes and antics. He was well liked, well known and well respected.

In addition to his wife Leta, he is survived by two daughters, Jackie and Virgil (Rocky) Caldwell, Walker, and Janet and Ron Hughes, Nevada; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, Kyle and Marsha Caldwell, Kallie, Kaelynn and Lauren, of Lockwood, Mo., Kristen and Roy Cota, Augustus and Elias of Carthage, Mo., Klay and Jennifer Caldwell, Bryce, Koal, Kane and Kit Caldwell of El Dorado Springs, Kendra and Matthew Byers of Nevada, and Kadee Hughes of Johnson City, Tenn.; including several nieces, nephews, extended family and special friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 18, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park.

The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday evening at Ferry Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Walker Christian Church or the Gideon’s in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.