Thomas James Burrus was born on April 27, 1939, in West Eminence, Missouri. He departed this life on April 3, 2026, at the age of 86. Tom was the son of James Delmar “Doc” Burrus and Georgia Louise McConnell.
He was united in marriage to Judith Alcorn on September 2, 1961. To this union two children were born: Shelly McAfee, of Winona, and Calvin Burrus, of Eminence. He later married Darlene Burnett on October 24, 1983.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Doc and Georgia Burrus; one sister, Linna Wood; two brothers, Donald and Kenneth Burrus; his beloved wife, Darlene; two brothers-in-law, Vard Wood and Dave Thomas; and two sisters-in-law, Fay and Jean Burrus.
He leaves to mourn his passing his two children, Shelly (Hobie) McAfee and Calvin (Paula) Burrus; three brothers, Bill (Maxine) Burrus, Jack (Betty) Burrus, and Richard (Sherry) Burrus; one sister, Judy Thomas; his five granddaughters, Molly (Matt) Derryberry, Nola McAfee, Dalila Faria, Georgia Burrus, and Shaley Burrus; two great-grandsons, Lincoln Derryberry and Benjamin Thomas Derryberry; and a host of nieces and nephews who he also cherished dearly.
Tom grew up in Eminence and spent his childhood summers on the Jacks Fork with his family. He graduated from Eminence High School in 1957. After graduation, he lived and worked in St. Louis for a short time before returning to Eminence. He later worked as a fishing guide on the Jacks Fork and Current rivers for Bales Boating and was also employed by Independent Stave Company before retiring from Angelica Uniform Company.
In his free time, Tom was an avid outdoorsman. He loved spending deer seasons at the cabin, doing a little hunting and a lot of talking and laughing around the barrel. Tom also enjoyed rabbit hunting and fishing with his brothers and sons. If he wasn’t home, you could find him visiting at Don’s, enjoying a fish fry at Bill’s, a deer fry at Calvin’s, or homemade pizza at Shelly’s. Tom was a lifelong Cardinals fan, and he also loved watching his granddaughters play volleyball. Tom took pride in putting out a big garden and especially enjoyed his flowers. In recent years, he spent time volunteering at the Eminence Food Pantry.
Tom was known for his kind heart, sense of humor, and friendly spirit. He loved people; he made friends wherever he went. He was happiest surrounded by his family. He treasured his children, grandchildren, and his “neighborhood kids,” Evan and Alex. Tom leaves a legacy of love, kindness, and happy memories. His spirit will live on in all of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
