Thomas Murray Young, 56, Willard, formerly of Tok, Alaska, passed away Wednesday April 17th, 2019 at Mercy Hospital, following a short illness. He went to be with his Lord while lovingly surrounded by his family.

Tom was born June 27th, 1962 in Springfield, MO. He grew up on the family farm in Willard, graduating from Willard High School in 1980. He received his Bachelor's degree from Southwest Missouri State University.

Tom served in the National Guard and Reserves before beginning a 21-year career as a Customs and Border Protection Officer in Alaska. He retired in August of 2018.

Tom is survived by his parents, Murray and Rosalyn Young; his siblings and their spouses, Karen and Steve Naegler, Steve and Sandy Young, Greg and Donna Young, Patricia and Bud Sheaks, and Missy and Rob Wheeler; his nieces and nephews (and their spouses), Angela Rayburn (Guy), Adam Naegler (Kristin), Ben Young (Krista), Zach Young (Kendra), Caleb Young (Katie), Hannah Stone (Evan), Grace Young, Hunter Sheaks (Melissa), Jessie Sheaks, Paige Sheaks, Sam Sheaks, and Joe Wheeler; and 12 great-nieces and great-nephews.

Tom is also survived by his chosen family, James, Buffy and Sam Avers; and John and Jackie Avers and their children, Lauren (James) and Josh (Ashton).

Tom - son, brother, uncle, friend - family. He goes by so many titles and was so much to so many. Words can hardly describe his uniqueness.  He was smart, kind, funny, stubborn, generous, competitive, a gentle giant, a fierce protector, and had a beautiful, loving heart. He is ferociously loved and we will miss him deeply, especially his laugh. He was our Tom.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 22nd from 6-8 pm at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at White Chapel (5234 W. State Highway EE).

Funeral services will be at 10 am Tuesday, April 23rd at White Chapel with burial to follow at Clear Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Cave Springs Cemetery Association in care of the funeral home.