Thomas Joseph McMichael died Friday, March 16 at his home in Webster Groves. He was 62.
A talented caregiver and photographer, loving father and grandfather, Tom leaves behind his daughter, Dora McMichael and grandchildren, Jeremy and Amber; daughter Alana McMichael, her husband Ryne Danielson, three grandcats and one 90-pound granddog; son James McMichael, his girlfriend Casey Koessel and future grandchild; son James Henes and grandson Aiden; brother Dan McMichael; sister Carol Duran; cousins Bill Chilton, Steve Chilton and Sue Anselmi; his cat Oddie and a cactus named Bob.
Born Dec. 2, 1955, in St. Louis, Missouri to Joseph Daniel McMichael Jr. and Roberta Burke McMichael, Tom graduated from Webster Groves High School, class of 1975, and worked as a registered nurse for more than three decades. He was passionate about caring for and teaching others, and he brought joy into every life he touched. He enjoyed taking photos, telling stories, and offering pithy movie and restaurant reviews.
“Just saw Lady Bird,” Tom wrote on Facebook just a few weeks ago. “It was a 10. Could be best picture.”
He also enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, who called him Vega.
“I had a great Sunday,” Tom wrote March 5. “All three of my kids and Casey Koessel and fetus, Ryne, Amber, Jeremy and Lady, the new puppy, all came to hang out with me. I loved it.”
Tom’s yearly trivia game was the highlight of Christmas, and his home-baked bread was so delicious, it never lasted long.
Tom was passionate about politics and an avid NPR listener. One of the last things he did was attend a walkout at Webster Groves High School March 14 to show his support for students demonstrating for gun reform.
Tom’s sense of humor lifted the spirits of everyone he met.
Whether it was his fondness for Hawaiian shirts, habit of putting bumper stickers on his prosthetic leg, or tendency to name anything and everything “Bob,” he always knew how to make people laugh.
He almost always said goodbye the same way: “I’m bailing — see ya.”
A memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, March 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kutis Affton Chapel, located at 10151 Gravois Road. Family speakers will begin at 6 p.m. with the singing of “Amazing Grace.” A celebration of life will follow at Llywelyn’s Pub, 17 West Moody Ave. in Webster Groves, where Hawaiian shirts are encouraged.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to two organizations that were important to Tom: Camp Rainbow and/or the League of Women Voters.
Camp Rainbow is a recreational escape for kids with cancer and blood disorders. This cause was dear to Tom both because he was a dedicated nurse and because his youngest daughter, Alana, went to the camp while she was in treatment for leukemia. To give, follow the link and click the yellow donate button: https://www.camprainbow.com/
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Tom wanted to make the world a better place and he thought political activism was one way to do that. To support this cause, follow the link and click the yellow donate button under the one time giving or monthly giving option: http://www.lwvstl.org/Support.html
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