TOMMY B. WILLHOIT

Tom Willhoit, 78, of Branson, MO passed away peacefully on February 14, 2013 in Mercy Hospital, Springfield, MO. He was born on April 30, 1934 in Ozark County, Missouri, to Palmer and Murrill (Robirds) Willhoit.

He grew up in the Lutie/Theodosia area of Bull Shoals Lake. He graduated from Gainesville High School in 1951, and married his high school sweetheart, Vernetta Roberts, in 1952. To that union, 4 children were born: Michael, Sherryl, Mark and Merry. Tom was an avid hunting and fishing guide. He and son, Michael, became known as the "trackum, rackum, and sackum" team for 52 consecutive years! Tom earned many trophies including Sportsman of the Year in 1960. Tom and his parents owned and operated Willhoit's Café & Baits for many years. Before moving to Springfield in 1965, he worked in investments and insurance.

During the 1970's he purchased the parcels of land that came to be known as Dogwood Canyon, where vacationers and sportsmen enjoyed the natural landscape and trout fishing amenities. Tom also purchased additional land in the area for future developments. For the last 15 years, Tom enjoyed working with the leadership of one of the greatest companies in America, Team National, helping others to realize their hopes and dreams. Tom was a long standing member of the Masonic Lodge of Theodosia, and a member of the Director's Staff of Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Temple in Springfield since 1970.

His survivors include Michael and Lisa Willhoit, his children Rachel Morgan and partner Ashley Sheffler, Rachel's son, Izaac Morgan; Autumn and husband, Chris Courtney, and his children Ashley and Austin Courtney; Lisa's children Nikki and husband Nathan Skinner, and Allison Hanna; Sherryl Willhoit; Mark Willhoit; Merry and husband Jim Carmichael, Merry's children, Emily and husband Jeremy Karminian, and their daughters, Layla and Riley; Jacob Maples and wife Jacquie, Chelsea Maples and her children, Kayonna, Aaliyah, and Mya. Other survivors include Tom's personal companion and business partner, Judy Cox; her son Creig, and his son, Alex Cox, Christian and wife Tammy Cox, and their children Quincy and C.J.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 21, 2013 at the Theodosia United Methodist Church in Theodosia, MO. Burial will be in the Lutie Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday afternoon from 1 p.m. to service time at the church. Memorials may be made in honor of Tom Willhoit to the Missouri Department of Conservation Research Center, 3500 East Gans Road, Columbia, MO 65201. Phone: 573-815-7900. On line condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.