In Remembrance Of
Thomas Russell “Tom” Trail
Dr. Thomas "Tom" Russell Trail, 73, of Gower went to be with the Lord November 9, 2011 at his home.
He was born April 15, 1938 in Wallace, MO., to Russell and Leta (Fortune) Trail. He graduated from Faucett High School, received his Bachelor’s Degree from Northwest Missouri State University, his Master’s from Missouri University/Columbia, his Specialist’s from Central Missouri State University, and his Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri/Columbia.
He married Martha Johnson on August 4, 1961. He was an educator in public education for 35 years, the last 25 as a superintendent of schools. The welfare of every child was always his first and foremost concern, with the welfare of his staff immediately following. He served in North Platte, Platte City, West Platte, Chillicothe, South Harrison, Moberly, Eldon School Districts and retired after serving 10 happy years as Superintendent of Schools in the Hamilton School District. Upon retiring he worked for Missouri State Teachers’ Association for 7 enjoyable years.
Tom was an active member of Frazier Baptist Church. He was a godly man who tried to live each day showing Christian love in his family, his community and his profession. He was a Sunday School teacher and a deacon for many years.
He was preceded in death by his father, his brother-in-law Everett Purvis and an infant son, Thomas Russell Jr.
Survivors include his wife, Martha, of the home, two daughters: Melissa (Paul) Werle of Orrick, MO; and Nancy Jo (Chad) Cornelius of Agency, MO; his mother Leta Trail of St. Joseph; sister, Patty Purvis of Kansas City; brothers Melvin (Debbie) Trail and Randall Trail of St. Joseph; six grandchildren, Britney, Tanner, Karson and Kamryn Werle and Brett and Carter Cornelius.
Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 20th at Frazier Baptist Church
Burial: Allen Cemetery, Gower, MO
Visitation: 5:00-8:00 p.m. Saturday November 19th at Frazier Baptist Church Life Center.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Frazier Building Fund or the ALS Foundation.
Arrangements Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower
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6 comments
Becky Palmer Cutler
Mrs. Trail and family, I am sending loving prayers to all of you. Mr. Trail was an incredible person and educator. He made such a difference in life thoughout my high schools years. Thank you to both you and Mr. Trail was being a friend and mentor to me.
Linda Dodd
Dear Martha and Family,
I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you in your loss. It was such a delight to have known all of you while you were in Chillicothe and the exciting times that we shared as we grew in our love for the LORD. I am assure that He will be your strength now and always.
In Him complete,
Linda
Lee Ann LeNoble
Martha,
You and Tom have always been like my second parents and I have always loved and respected you both! You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Amy (Harris) Doepke
Martha and family – so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dennis & Joyce Cox
Martha & Kids, Joyce and I are so sorry for your loss. I cherish the association I had with Tom while he was in Hamilton. He was a person whose opinions I always sought and my admiration for him as an educator and a person knew no limits. May God give you strength and comfort.
LUCILLE FORTURE
SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOSS AND I LOVE YOU ALL