Thomas Wayne Shrader, 73, of Centralia, MO, died Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at his home.

"Tom" was born July 9, 1951 in Mexico, MO to Ralph Orion and Cecelia Ann (Albus) Shrader.  He was the fourth of six children.

Tom attended St. Brendan School, then Mexico High School, graduating in 1969.  Always athletic, Tom excelled in several sports, in and outside of school.  Basketball, baseball and bowling were big interests.  He was named "Defensive Demon" his senior year for his basketball skills.  He attended Missouri Western College in St. Joseph on a basketball scholarship.

Tom also played American Legion Baseball as a young man and coached women's softball teams, as well.  Some of his hobbies included Scrabble, cards and crossword puzzles.  He and his brothers played many spirited games of Sorry!, too.

He retired from Hubbell (formerly A.B. Chance) after decades of work.  When the "draft" was brought back during the Vietnam War, his birthday was selected first.  His remark was; "at least I'm number 1 in something!"

He served 18 months in the U.S. Army, primarily in Germany, since his brother Bill was serving in Vietnam at that time.  After his return from service, he returned to A.B. Chance, who had saved his job for him.

Like so many his age, Tom was a Mexico Ledger paper carrier, being named "Carrier of the Year" once.

Survivors include; one brother and two sisters, David Shrader of Mexico, Maryann of St. Louis and Donna (John) Fisher of rural Bellflower.  Other survivors include three nephews, two great-nephews, two great-nieces, Albus cousins and a host of friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Bill and Ralph.

Tom's ashes will be interred at St. Brendan Cemetery after graveside services on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 1:00 P.M.