Tommy “Tom” Joe Korman, 88, of Montgomery City passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, November 15, 2024, with loved ones by his side.
Tom was born on December 27, 1935, in Montgomery County to Felix “Cotton” Korman and Cecil (Jones) Korman. He married the love of his life, Norma Lou Ward, on September 28, 1954, in Hernando, Miss. Raising three children while sharing 70 years of marriage is a testament to Tom’s dedication, love and partnership. Tom and Norma built a life filled with memories, challenges and countless moments of joy together.
After a short time away, they returned to Montgomery City in 1983 and began remodeling houses. Tom was not only dedicated to his family but also to his work, creating something lasting through his construction company. Building a business from the ground up requires hard work, perseverance and a lot of personal sacrifice. His commitment to his craft and his family shaped not just his own life, but the lives of those around him. After he retired, he held the title of secretary treasurer for Bethel Church for several years. With his wife, he also participated in Prison Ministry at the Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center in Fulton. He was most recently a member of the High Point Community Chapel. In his retirement he also worked at the Mailbox Club CEF in Warrenton.
Tom was a family man; dating back to his childhood, both parents had large families and often held family gatherings. Tom kept this tradition alive within his own family. He cherished his children and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that they gave him. Tom was an avid outdoorsman finding time to hunt and fish whenever he could. Teaching his grandsons Shaun and Jeremiah to hunt deer, turkey and to fish was a great joy and accomplishment for him. Tom's goofy, ornery attitude and gentle heart will be missed dearly in the lives of his loved ones.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Norma Lou (Ward) Korman of the home; three children: Dianna (Tom Block) Korman Zumwalt of Montgomery City, Linda (Gary) Korman Cuno and Dennis (Margie) Korman of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Stephanie Cuno of Montgomery City, Sandy Cuno of Montgomery City, Tammy Vera of Austin, Texas, Victoria (Tito) Hernandez of Austin, Texas, Samantha (Levon Ingram) Brooks Jay of Vienna (Maries County) and Lindsey (Darren Brookman) Brooks of Montgomery City; great-grandchildren: Gabby, Jeremiah, Tito, Makayla, Carson, Lily, Liam and one due in April; several nieces and nephews and many, many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Cecil Korman; grandson, Shaun Sturgeon; parents-in-law, Sam and Nellie Ward; son-in-law, Pat Zumwalt; a brother and his wife, Glen and Margaret Korman; and a sister and her husband, Vera and J.D. Gotcher.
A graveside memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Nov. 19, 2024 at the Bethel Cemetery in Montgomery City with Reverend Christopher Crowson officiating.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the High Point Community Chapel or to Bethel Cemetery in care of Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361.
