SSG (Ret) Thomas "Tommy" James Kimble Jr.

June 8, 1947 - July 28, 2018

SSG (Ret) Thomas James Kimble, Jr., son of the late Thomas James Kimble, Sr., and Annie Mary (Nelson) Staples, was born June 10, 1947 in Kankakee, Illinois where he grew up and graduated from Kankakee High School. In July 1967, Tommy entered the United States Army and for 23 years served his country faithfully until his retirement in 1992. He had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, earned several awards and commendations and served in Vietnam. On July 6, 1985, Tommy was united in marriage to Marilyn Sue Norwood in Kankakee, Illinois. They shared over 33 wonderful years together and seven children. After retiring from the military, Tommy began working for the postal service and served for 20 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed music, working in his yard, was a baseball and football fan and always had a smile on his face. After locating to the Fort Leonard Wood area, Tommy became a member of the First Baptist Church of St. Robert. Tommy passed away Saturday, July 28, 2018 in his home having attained the age of 71 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Tommy leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Marilyn Kimble of Waynesville, MO; seven children: Steven Miner of Jackson, MS, Billy Miner, Jr., of Gainesville, FL, Sonya Johnson (Darrell) of Columbus, GA, Morristine Wytania Kimble of St. Louis, MO, Keith Kimble (Kiya) of Strafford, VA, Felisha Kimble of Strafford, VA and Jamal Kimble of Waynesville, MO; four sisters: Anna Williams of Milwaukee, WS, Sarah Minor (Charles) of Hampton, VA, Ruth Willis of Waynesville, MO, and Carolyn Gaines of Detroit, MI; five brothers: Robert Nelson (Paulette) of Detroit, MI, Charlie Gaines of Detroit, MI, Willie Gene Toler (Francine) of Kankakee, IL and Lemont Austin of Detroit, MI; aunt: Emma Nelson; one sister-in-law: Shirley Nelson of Detroit, MI; sixteen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; special friends: Eddie Jones, Curtis Henry and Ricky Lang; niece: Linda (Kimble) Murphy of Macon, GA (whom he was united with just before his passing), several other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by one sister: Shirley Gaines; one brother: Larry Nelson; four nephews: William Toler, Lawrence Williams, Jr., Jonathan Willis, and Robert Gaines Jackson; and one uncle: Jobie Nelson. Services were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 11, 2018 in the Church of God Worship Center of Bourbonnais, Illinois. Burial with military honors followed in the Mound Grove Cemetery of Kankakee, Illinois. Arrangements were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Tommy Kimble and may be left at the funeral home.