MSG (Ret) Thomas Riner Cristoffer

June 27, 2017

MSG (Ret) Thomas Riner Cristoffer, son of the late Charles Riner and Vera Elizabeth (Neal) Cristoffer, was born December 16, 1944 in Denver, Colorado. He passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2017 in the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri having attained the age of seventy-two years. As a young boy, Tom and his family moved to West Texas and he graduated from Levelland High School in 1963. After graduation, Tom attended two years at Henderson City Junior College before entering the United States Army in March 1967. While in the military, Tom served in Vietnam as well as many other duty stations before retiring in March 1987 after twenty years of service. He had attained the rank of Master Sergeant and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Service Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Purple Heart, Air Medal, bronze Star Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Badge with Palm, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, three Overseas Service Bars, Valorous Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal - First Class, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (NUM 1), Expert Qualification Badge (M-14), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (NUM 3), Army Commendation Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Army Achievement Medal, Marksman Qualification Badge (M-16), and the Meritorious Service Medal. On June 24, 1971, Tom was united in marriage to Jo Ann Miller in Plainview, Texas. They shared over 46 years of marriage together and were blessed with three sons: Christopher, Kyle and Alan. After retiring from the military, Tom and the family decided to stay in the Waynesville, Missouri area and he began working for the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department. He served Pulaski County until his retirement in 2013 after twenty-two years of faithful service. In his spare time, Tom loved to restore old cars and one of his last cars to restore was a 1965 Dodge. He also enjoyed fishing and went every time he could. Most importantly, he treasured the times that he could spend with his family, especially the grandchildren. Tom will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Jo Ann of the home; three sons, Christopher Cristoffer (Susan) of Laquey, MO, Kyle Cristoffer (Mary) of Springfield, MO, and Alan Cristoffer of Richland, MO; eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren; his sister, Norma Loe of Springfield, OR; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 3, 2017 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Chaplain (CPT) Chris Laughlin officiating. The songs “Go Rest High on that Mountain”, “The Dance” and “Amazing Grace” were played. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. A memorial has been established to the Wounded Warriors and contributions may be mailed or left at the funeral home.