Thomas E. Smith

Thomas Eugene Smith, 79 of Parsons, Kansas, lived a life that could never be summed up in just one chapter. Born to David and Phyllis Smith, Tom was a Parsons High School graduate where he played tennis before earning his Associate of Arts degree from Parsons Junior College. Tom worked in several fields in his career, but his skills and talent shined while a performance and management trainer at Pirelli Tire Company.  His life was always more melody than monotony while he was excelling in those roles.  

Early in life, Tom's pursuit of a navy career was cut short due to injury, however, his navy experience instilled a lifetime of discipline of service with him—but his heart belonged to music. Picking up the guitar and banjo at just twelve years old, he grew into a songwriter whose tunes carried the essence of decades and genres. His lyrics told love stories, spun from his own life’s adventures, and his melodies were as diverse as the man himself. He performed, recorded, and shared his gift with the world, including as part of the “Woody Johnson Trio.”

In 1988, Tom was united in marriage to Rochelle “Shelly” Smith, and together they celebrated 19 years filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures.

Tom’s spirit was restless in the best way. In his California days, he surfed the waves of Malibu and explored the deep while scuba diving. In Colorado, he chased the thrill of downhill skiing and trekked through the backcountry with a backpack on his shoulders. He even built log homes—because why not? That was Tom: if he imagined it, he did it.

He was a romantic, and his songs were love letters in musical form. He was also wonderfully funny—the kind of man who could turn an ordinary afternoon into a story worth retelling for years.

Tom lived his life like his music—eclectic, vibrant, and unforgettable. And though the final chord has been played, his melody will keep echoing in the hearts of those who knew him.

Tom is survived by two sons, Scott (Cheryl) Gales, Neil Smith; a brother, Mark David (Donna) Smith; three grandchildren, Morgan Marie (Michael) Moore, Alexandria Dianne Gales, Jacob Vincent Gales and a very dear friend and music partner, Joe Land.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, David and Phyllis Smith; his wife, Rochelle “Shelly” Rae Rumburg Smith; and his sister, Melissa (Larry) Palmer.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa and cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory.