Thomas (Tom) Zander Sr was born in St. Louis, MO. May 4, 1939 to Bernard C. and Charlotte (Korhmann) Zander. He was called home to his Lord on January 7, 2026 in Columbia, MO.
He was a strong, active, kind man, who never knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He especially loved telling stories of his time in the Marine Crop, and gladly stopped to have lengthy conversations with other former servicemen.
He was a handyman at home and always willing to lend a hand or tool to anyone in need. Tom dabbled at farming when living in rural area of DeSoto, MO. Then he and the family moved to Lake of the Ozarks in 1987.
He loved watching his children participate in their many sports, church and school activities. His love of soccer lead him to co-found a soccer league in the Lake Ozark and Osage Beach area, so his children, and the children in the area, would have the opportunity to play a sport he enjoyed in his youth. He also enjoyed coaching Little League Teams.
Over the years, he enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, boating and skiing with the family on Lake of the Ozarks, and golfing with his sons and friends. He spent many hours before and after his retirement playing golf and enjoyed working at several local golf courses, with Deer Chase being his favorite.
Tom dedicated 42 years working for AMEREN/UE as a Project Estimator. He loved the challenge of surveying and drafting difficult and complex jobs and took great pride in his work. He couldn’t drive far without pointing out the power lines he had planned.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Charlotte, and also his 3 siblings: Bernard ” Sonny” (Edna) Zander, John “Jacky” (Carol) Zander and Mary Charlotte Zander (John) Cowell. And one son-in-law, Gregory Gilmore.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife (Deborah) of 48 years, and his children, Thomas (Tracy) Zander Jr, Theresa (Bill) Bahl, Patricia (Greg) Gilmore, Robert (Erin) Zander, Leslie (Brian) Palmer, Michelle Zander, and David (Elizabeth) Zander. Tom is also survived by his 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. All of whom he was so very proud of.
Visitation is Monday, 19th at 4 – 8 PM. at Kutis Funeral Home, Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Rd 63123..
Funeral Mass is Tuesday the 20th at 11 AM at Seven Holy Founders, 6737 S Rock Hill Rd, Affton, Mo 63123
Burial following Mass at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery 2900 Sheridan Rd, St Louis, MO 63125
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tri-Valley High School c/o Greg Gilmore Scholarship Fund, 503 E. Washington St. Downs, IL 61736 or to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Dr., Triangle, VA 22772.
So sad to hear about your loss. Know you and your family are in our thoughts and hoping for peace and comfort during this trying time.
Debi,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
I know my words can’t ease your pain , but I hope you know we are thinking of you . Please except my heartfelt and deepest condolences. 💐 🙏❤️
Skip and Peggy Franz
We are sorry for the loss of Tom. He was my godfather and I enjoyed seeing him. Always lots of laughter and fun. Now he gets to rejoin his mom and dad, brothers and sister. RIP.