Thomas Melvin Kimbrough went to rest with his Heavenly Father on Monday, January 1, 2024 in Columbia, MO.

Tom, or "TK" as he was known by those close to him, was born on Tuesday, March 14, 1944 in Fayetteville, TN to John T. and Mary C. Kimbrough. As a child, the family moved to Springfield, MO where Tom graduated from Central High School in 1962. In 1967, he was drafted into the Army where he served two tours in the Vietnam War in the 101st Airborne Division. As a result of his service, Tom was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, a Bronze Star Medal, an Army Commendation Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster, and Combat Infantryman's Badge. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Tom returned to Springfield where he met his wife of 46 years. In 1978, the family moved to Pacific, MO where Tom joined the Laborer's Local 110. He then spent the next 25 years working for U.S. Silica until 2001, at which time he and his wife returned to Springfield to live out their retirement. Upon his wife's passing in 2020, Tom moved to Columbia, MO to be near family.

Tom never met a stranger. Everywhere he went, he made new friends. His gregarious personality, humor, and honesty drew others in. He never made you guess what he was thinking. In his family, he instilled a strong work ethic, an appreciation for the importance of education, fierce sense of loyalty, and a fighting spirit. For that, we will be forever grateful.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, M. Dianne Kimbrough; a son, Thomas Melvin Kimbrough Jr; his parents, John T. and Mary C. Kimbrough; a brother, Robert, and a sister, Peggy Lay.

He is survived by a daughter, Dr. Tanya Kimbrough-Wilson (Gregory); two sons, Dana Byerley (Carol) and Anthony Kimbrough; three brothers; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Klingner-Cope Funeral Home at White Chapel, 5234 W. State Hwy EE Springfield, MO 65802 Friday, January 5, 2024  from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Funeral service will begin  at 1:00 PM with Reverend James Kimbro officiating. Committal service with full military honors will follow in the White Chapel Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at klingnerfuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations In Memory of Thomas "TK" Kimbrough may be made to the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital 800 Hospital Dr. Columbia, MO 65201 or va.gov/columbia-missouri-health-care/.