Thomas Herbert Gerke, 72, of Pilot Grove, MO passed away Sunday, January 22, 2023, at University Hospital Center in Columbia, MO.

He was born June 14, 1950, in Boonville, MO, the son of Thomas “T.L.” and Teresa (Kraus) Gerke. who preceded him in death.

He married the love of his life, Helen Ruth Phillips on November 10, 1973, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pilot Grove.

Tommy was a hard worker and loved farming with his boys. He worked as a maintenance supervisor at Hay’s Wheels in Sedalia for nearly thirty-years. He loved spending time with his family and coaching his boys in T-ball and baseball and involving them in mowing lawns and helping to care for local cemeteries. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.

In addition to his wife of forty-nine years, he is survived by three children, Greg Gerke of Pilot Grove, Steve Gerke (Teresa) of Boonville, and Christopher Gerke of Pilot Grove; four sisters, Linda Gerke and Diane Root (Kenny), both of Pilot Grove, and Joan Lewis (John) and Donna Bargfrede (John), both of Marshall; and ten grandchildren, Garrett Gerke, Gavin Gerke, Gage Gerke, Evan Gerke, Maggie Gerke, Aden Gerke, Gracie Gerke, Blake Gerke, JoDee Gerke, and Lang King.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jo Ann Gerke.

Prayers of the Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 27, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pilot Grove, MO with visitation to follow until 11:00 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 27, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pilot Grove, MO, with Fr. Anthony Onyeihe, officiating.

Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Honorary Pall Bearers will be the grandchildren.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church, in care of the Meisenheimer-Page-Dady Funeral Home in Pilot Grove.