Thomas Edward Klinginsmith, 59, Carthage, Mo., passed away Sunday, June 29, 2008, in McCune-Brooks Regional Hospital, Carthage, after a sudden illness.

Tom was born June 27, 1949, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Thomas Ellis Klinginsmith and Geraldine (Torrey) Klinginsmith. He was a graduate of West Port High School, Kansas City, Class of 1967; he graduated from Missouri Valley College, Marshall, Mo.,, Class of 1971, with a B.S. degree in Education and received his Juris Doctorate degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law, Oklahoma City, Okla.

Mr. Klinginsmith was a teacher and track coach in the Versailles School System, Versailles, Mo. He married Carol Olendorff on June 6, 1999, in Kansas City, Mo. Tom was actively involved in the Carthage community serving on the board of the Missouri Civil War Foundation, the board of directors for the Lafayette House, Joplin; served on the first board of directors for the Carthage Fair Acres Family YMCA, past President of the Carthage Parks & Recreation Board and former member of the Carthage Rotary Club.

Survivors include his wife, Carol, of the home; one son, Gregg Klinginsmith, Wentzville, Mo.; two daughters, Mary Jo Ayllon and husband, Pablo, St. Louis, Mo., Jill Klinginsmith, Joplin, Mo.; his father, Thomas Ellis Klinginsmith.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine Klinginsmith, two sisters and one brother.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Memorial gifts are suggested to the Missouri Civil War Foundation in care of Knell Mortuary, Carthage, Mo.