TOMMY ALBERT KELLUM

Tommy Albert Kellum peacefully passed away from cancer at his home in Claremore, OK, surrounded by his family and friends, on Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 10 AM at the age of 62 years and 3 days.

Tommy was born in Gassville, Arkansas on August 6, 1946 to Doy and Verna Garrison Kellum. He received his education in both Lutie and Gainesville, graduating from Gainesville High School in 1964.

Tommy was very proud to serve his country in the U.S. Army and had a tour in Vietnam—receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1968.

Tommy was employed in the paper manufacturing industry for about 20 years working in construction. His working years were spent in Missouri, Texas, and Arkansas, as well as working the mines in Colorado.

His retirement years were spent in Missouri and Oklahoma, although he made his home in Claremore, OK, to be near his sister. His heart was always in the Ozark hills.
Tommy always enjoyed a little fishing and did a lot of hunting when he was younger. As he grew a little older his passion turned to photography and he hunted with his camera, capturing beautiful shots of wildlife and eagles. Flowers were his favorite photographic subject and his daughter was his favorite person to photograph. He was also a skilled wood worker.

He was a horse lover and for a time enjoyed racing his quarterhorse Larkin Thing. Nascar was his favorite pastime on Sunday afternoons.
His pride was his daughter Brandy and his delight was his great niece and nephew Allison and Elza. He was a friend to everyone he met and his neighbors called him a "good man".

Tommy is survived by his daughter Brandy Lee Bodde of Chattanooga, Tennessee; his sister Brenda Puffett and husband Ken of Claremore, Oklahoma; his niece Tonia Puffett of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his nephew Tony Puffett and wife Jami of Claremore, Oklahoma; great niece and great nephew Allison and Elza of Claremore; his dear friend and mother of his daughter, Jody Bodde of St Joseph, Missouri; his devoted neighbor and friend Steve; and his pets and constant companions– Susie and Chainsaw.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Shanon Janette Kellum.

Funeral services will be Thursday, August 14, 2008, 10:00AM at the True Hope Church in Theodosia, Missouri with Doyle Turner officiating. Interment will follow in the Lutie Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 6:00 – 7:00 PM at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville, Missouri. Services are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.