Thomas Hayes Burrington

Thomas Hayes Burrington

November 7, 1945 – May 20, 2026

Thomas Hayes Burrington was born on November 7, 1945, near the small town of Gravity, Iowa. His family later moved to Malvern, where he was raised and attended school. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones, after a short illness at Heart of The Ozarks in Ava, Missouri.

Tom was one of eight children born to Frances and Gertrude Burrington. Growing up on farms in rural southwest Iowa during the post-World War II era helped shape the hardworking, dependable, and caring man so many people came to know and love.

In 1963, Tom proudly joined the United States Army and honorably served his country. He attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and enjoyed the history and culture he experienced during his overseas deployment and training in Germany. Following his military service, he began working at the packing house in Oakland, Iowa, in 1967. During this time, he married his first wife, Mary, and later settled in Hastings, Iowa, where they raised their two sons, Patrick and Michael.

Tom dedicated much of his life to serving both his family and his community. He served on the Hastings City Council and the volunteer fire department, always willing to help wherever he was needed. He later worked for many years for the Burlington Northern Railroad in Pacific Junction before becoming the bus mechanic for the Nishna Valley Community School District, where he was respected for his mechanical skill and strong work ethic.

In the early 1990s, Tom returned to farming and married his second wife, Margaret. Together they later retired to the Ozarks, where they raised sheep on their hobby farm near Ava, Missouri. Tom and Margaret cherished the close-knit community there and formed many lifelong friendships. Tom especially enjoyed his years working at the Walmart garden center, where he became known for his kindness, easy conversation, and the many friendships he made.

Tom and Margaret also loved traveling to Mexico and England to visit Margaret’s family. Tom found joy in the simple things in life: fishing, reading westerns and history books, John Deere tractors, and spoiling all his beloved puppy dogs. Above all else, he loved his family and took great pride in being a father and grandfather.

Tom is survived by his sons Patrick Burrington (Wendy) of Stevensville, MT and Michael Burrington(Terri) of Dallas, GA; his cherished granddaughter, Hailey(Sim) of Lynchburg, VA; former daughter-in-law Nikki of Lynchburg, VA; his stepdaughters Jane Bolstad(Lance) and Louise Ramey(Ted) along with their children and grand-children; his brother Roger Burrington(Theresa) of Emerson, IA; and his sister, Dottie L’Heureux of Red Oak, IA, his four-legged companion George, and many more extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret in 2023, his parents Frances and Gertrude Burrington; his brothers Jim & Charles; his sisters Nellie, Barb and Doris and his first wife, Mary.

Tom will be remembered as a hardworking man, a proud and devoted father to his two boys, a loving grandfather, a loyal friend, and someone who would always lend a hand to a stranger. His quiet strength, generous heart, and love for his family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Services for Thomas will be Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, Missouri followed by military honors conducted by Troy Herd American Legion #112 and U.S. Army. Visitation will be Monday, May 25th from 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. in the funeral home. Officiating will be Reverend, Glen Hartley.