Thomas R. Urton

Thomas R. Urton, 44, of Smithville, MO, passed away at home Wednesday, November 14, 2007, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 17, at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Hixson-Klein funeral home in Smithville.

He was born on December 2, 1962 to Roger Wilson and Julia (Bosch) Urton in Kansas City, Missouri. He grew up in Grandview, MO and graduated from Ruskin High School.

On July 15, 1995, he was united in marriage to Beth Swindler and quickly became a beloved member of his new extended family. After their marriage they lived in Grandview, MO until 2002, when they moved to Smithville, MO. They had three incredible children; Matt, Mindy and Mikey. It was in Smithville that they found their church family and many wonderful friends. The Urton family are members of the Grace Community Church in Smithville.

Tom loved anything with a motor and had an amazing ability with all things mechanical, from electronics to cars and motorcycles. He fixed his first broken radio at the age of 5. He found great joy in his favorite hobby, flying airplanes. Even after he was no longer able to fly, he would often look at the sky and proclaim it was a "perfect flying day."

Tom followed in his father's footsteps and became an Electrician, working for many years as a commercial and industrial electrician. He later took a position as an Electronic Technician at the USPS, where he worked until his illness forced him to retire. He was a proud member of both the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers LU 124 and American Postal Workers Union.

He was a devoted husband and a loving father who lived life to the fullest. His family was his life. He cherished time at home with his family more than anything. He was quiet and kind with a dry sense of humor and a sharp wit. He was extremely loyal and once his friend, you were his friend for life. He was loved and supported by those friends and his family to the end. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Welcoming him in heaven are his parents, and his brother, Ray Urton.

His memory will be cherished by those he left behind; his loving wife and children; sister, Carol Urton, sister and brother in law, Denise & Pete Blackburn; mother and father in law, Linda Simons and Keith Swindler, sister and brother in law, Heather Braswell and Brian Swindler, grandparents Sam and Merna Boston; a host of nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Kansas City Hospice or Grace Community Church of Smithville.