John Thomas Carey, age 63, passed away at 10:46 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri following a short illness.
Tom was born Oct. 18, 1958, in Columbus, Kansas, to Johnny and Betty (Williams) Carey.
He graduated from Riverton High School with the class of 1977. He had lived in Riverton and Webb City, Missouri, all of his life. For over ten years, Tom worked as a KDOT Driver at SEK-CAP, Inc., driving the Gus Bus for Pitt State. He loved his job and the people he had the opportunity to work with and for. He took pride in his work.
He was a member of Tennessee Prairie Church. He loved Jesus, his family, and his church family. He was a simple man with a simple life. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his wife and family. His best friend was his dog, Scooter.
Tom was married to Deborah Lawson on June 21, 1999, in Baxter Springs. She survives.
Additionally, survivors include children Caleb Carey of Buffalo, Missouri, Dalaina (Jasyn) Smith of Frontenac, Sarah Carey (Tommy) of Springfield, Missouri, Dustin (Katy) Ott of Colorado Springs, and Chris (Samantha) Ott of Colorado Springs; 11 grandchildren: Huntyr, Cartyr, Lexy, Lyndsy, Bryar, Gunnyr, Samuel, Mikaela, Ava, Charlee, and Maylin; one great-granddaughter, Paisley; one sister, Melinda (Mike) Martin; many nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Marie Lawson; and his beloved dog, Scooter. He was predeceased by his parents, Johnny and Betty (Williams) Carey.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, at Derfelt Funeral Home in Galena. Jasyn Smith will officiate. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 1 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be in Baxter Cemetery, Baxter Springs.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in care of the family.
