Walt Tomb

Walter Eugene Tomb Jr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28th, 2026, with the love of his family at his side after a long battle with COPD. Born to Walter Eugene Tomb Sr. and Olive Euella (Paradise) Tomb on April 26th, 1941 in Corning, New York, “Butch” as he was affectionately known, was a standout athlete as a youngster and in high school, lettering in several sports, including track all four years at Painted Post (NY) High School. While helping his dad deliver milk as a kid, he found his first dog figurine in an alleyway and began a collection that would span the rest of his life. Over time, it became tradition to gift him a dog figurine for every birthday and Christmas, until he ran out of places to put them. After college, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he would serve two years, mostly in Oklahoma. His service in the Midwest led to a job in Kansas City with Trans World Airlines, first at the downtown Municipal Airport in 1966, then as a Shipping/Receiving Clerk at the TWA overhaul base at the new Kansas City International Airport a few years later. He built a life with TWA, and later retired from American Airlines in 2007 after over 40 years in the airline industry. Over the years, Walt served as an active member of his church, with the First United Methodist Church of Platte City, MO, and later Our Savior Lutheran, where he teamed up to build and maintain the church school during his early retirement. He also served as a youth baseball, basketball and soccer coach, was a regular blood donor, and a member of the Masonic Lodge in Platte City. Walt loved NASCAR, and was a fan of Dale Earnhardt, Kevin Harvick and Kyle Larson. Over time, he made his way to multiple tracks on the circuit, including Charlotte, Watkins Glen, Texas, Kansas Speedway and Daytona. On any given evening at home, he could be found watching the Kansas City Royals, win or lose, and was thrilled to see his Chiefs win three Super Bowls in recent years. He loved chocolate milk, a good steak and the sweet & sour shrimp from Red Dragon II (peppers and onions excluded). He’ll be remembered as a steady, calming presence – Never one to wax poetic, but always there to keep things in perspective and crack a dry joke with a sly smile.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Olive Tomb, wife Terri (Meginn) Tomb, nephew Dan Woodhouse and brother-in-law Fred Freeman. He is survived by his son Eric Tomb and Eric’s girlfriend Stacie Smith, children Susan Idol and Scott Idol, Step-Children Tracy Kunz, Steve Crowell, Tami (Jones) Mauton (Ron) and Kelli (Jones) Teel, sisters Anita Woodhouse (Claude) and Wilma Freeman and their children, multiple grandchildren, countless friends and his beloved canine companion Lil’ Bit, who he’ll be happy to know has a new loving home. He also leaves behind special friends Nissa and Jim True, and Kevin from across the street, who offered a helping hand more times than we’ll ever know. Special thanks from Tracy, Eric and the rest of Walt’s family to the staff of Novis LifeCare Hospice and Chaplain Bon Pappert for their incredible compassion and care. And from Eric to Tracy, who cared for Walt daily during his final year… Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Walt’s wishes were for cremation and no service. In lieu, donations are welcomed to Our Savior Lutheran Church of Platte City or your local animal rescue.