THOMAS FLEER

Thomas H. Fleer, 72 of Lewistown, Missouri was called home to be with his Savior on March 8, 2023 at Hannibal Regional Hospital at Hannibal, Missouri.

Tom was born on February 10, 1951 in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Howard and Patricia (Huner) Fleer. On May 9, 1980, he married Becky Bringer at the First Baptist Church of Lewistown, Missouri.

In 1971 he was drafted into the military and served his country during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Korea. It was during his service in Korea that he met a lifelong friend and brother, Ed Crye of Los Osos, California. They and their families remained close throughout the years. Upon returning from his service in the Army, Tom worked at the Lewistown State Bank as a loan officer. A few years later, he took up farming and raising beef cattle with his brother, Tim Fleer.

He left farming behind to purchase the feed business started by his father, later known as Fleer Feed, Inc. Thus began his passion as a feed salesman, servicing and delivering feed within a 150 mile radius encompassing Missouri, Iowa and Illinois. A need for tires and repairs of equipment resulted in the added on business of Fleer Tire and Auto, which was later sold in 2018. His love of people and his gift of “gab” made for great customer relations and also resulted in great friendships. His customers were his friends, and he never met a stranger. He gave soda and candy to the children along his delivery route. Some of those children are now grown and third generation customers.

Tom served his community as a volunteer fire fighter for many years. He also was a volunteer ambulance driver prior to the formation of the present 911 system. He served his church at Lewistown Baptist as a Sunday School teacher for many years, as well as a trustee. He served as Mayor of Lewistown for 18 years. He is a current member of the First Baptist Church of Ewing and the Lewis County American Legion Memorial Post #578.

Tom’s family and grandchildren were a joy in his life, and he will be greatly missed by all. His first love of farming was evident in his abundant, weed free garden and his beautiful yard flowers.

He is survived by his wife, Becky Fleer of Lewistown, Mo.; son, Caleb (Maria) Fleer of Lewistown, Mo.; four grandchildren, Emilee Fleer-White, Addison Fleer, Huntleigh Fleer and Emric Fleer; two step grandchildren, Grace Klitz and Hannah Klitz; his mother, Patricia Fleer of Lewistown, Mo.; two brothers, Timothy (Julie) Fleer and Kim (Monica) Fleer both of Lewistown, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, sister and brother in law, Debra and Dale Smith, father and mother in law, Russell and Betty Bringer and a nephew, Joshua Fleer.

Funeral services were held March 13, 2023 at the First Baptist Church of Ewing, Missouri with Dr. Elmer McCully and Rev. Richard Ulrich officiating.

Visitation was held Mar. 12 at the First Baptist Church of Ewing. Pallbearers: Nathan Fleer, Gabriel Fleer, Zach Fleer, Brandon Sutton, Adam Sartin, Adam Bringer, Austin Hoewing and Sonny Klocke. Honorary Pallbearers: Jerry Schaller and Ed Crye.

Burial was in the Lewistown Cemetery at Lewistown, Missouri with Military Honors presented by Lewis County Memorial Post #578.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ewing or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Online condolences may be left at www.arnolds funeralhome.net