Thomas Judson “Tomcat” Carey remembered

COLUMBIA — Thomas Judson Carey of Columbia died Saturday, May 3, 2008, from health complications associated with lung cancer. He was 84.
Mr. Carey, who was also known as “T.J.” and sometimes “Tomcat,” was born on July 30, 1923, to Thomas Olar and Goldie Atkins Carey of Higbee. After graduating from Higbee High School in 1941, he married Marjorie Lyon on June 27, 1942.
Michael, the first of Mr. and Mrs. Carey’s six children, was born in Petersburg, Va., while Mr. Carey was serving in the U.S. Army.
When Mr. Carey and his family moved back to Missouri, they settled in Columbia, where his next five children — Ron, Julie, Dennis, Jim and Pam — were born.
While their children were growing up, Mr. and Mrs. Carey would drive to Higbee for Sunday dinners with the rest of the family. Later in life, Mr. and Mrs. Carey would host the Sunday dinners at their Columbia home. According to his family, they could never get enough of his barbecued hamburgers.
In addition to a rich family life, faith was of great importance to Mr. Carey. He devoted more than 50 years to First Christian Church in Columbia. There, Mr. Carey served as deacon for more than 30 years.
Gardening, camping, fishing and cars were his hobbies.
He worked at Columbia Auto Parts for 40 years, during which fellow co-workers nicknamed him, “Tomcat.” His favorite car was the Lincoln Continental. At home, he boasted a fine car-maintenance tool collection.
Mr. Carey is survived by four sons, Michael Carey of Santa Rosa, Texas, Ronald Carey of Sabillasville, Md., Dennis Carey of Mexico, Mo., and Jim Carey of Columbia; two daughters, Julie Hickey of Columbia and Pam Duesenberg of Chesterfield; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
His wife and one grandchild died earlier.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at First Christian Church, 101 N. Tenth St. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Dr. John Yonker will officiate. The burial will follow at Memorial Cemetery, 1217 Business Loop 70 W.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, 101 N. Tenth St., Columbia, MO 65201.

-- KELLY CORRIGAN