Thomas O. Jewett, 73, of Pacific, Missouri passed away Tuesday February 14, 2023. Tom was born on April 6, 1949 in Belleville, Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Laura "Laurie" (Lloyd); their children: Sean Jewett, Jeff Jewett, Rob (Venessa) Riegler, and Lindsy (Scott) Hendricks; his sister, Bonnie Bauer; and proud Papa Tom to Lyla and Charlotte Hendricks and Isabella and Blake Riegler. He is also survived by sisters-in-law: Penny (Jack) Deal and Sunny (JR) Winfield; father-in-law, Joe Fore; and many nieces and nephews including Tammy Bailey, Jim Bauer, and Kim Glass.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Mamie "Jackie" Jewett (nee Boller); his uncle, Tom Boller; mother-in-law, Nita Lloyd Fore; and brother-in-law, Ron Bauer.
Tom was the first in his family to go to college, having earned his associate's from Belleville Area College, his bachelor's and master's from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and a Ph.D. from Saint Louis University. He was a lifelong educator having worked at Wolf Branch Elementary School, Belleville Area College, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and McKendree University. His biggest passion was researching the life of Thomas Jefferson, having published many scholarly articles. Outside of his career in education he was a voracious reader, competed in marathons and triathlons, enjoyed crossword puzzles, scuba diving, hunting, the outdoors and gardening, and Cardinal baseball.
A Memorial Service will be held at New Beginnings Lutheran Church, 791 New Beginnings Drive – Pacific, MO 63069, on Friday, February 17. A visitation will be held from 10:30-11am, service at 11, and additional time to share memories after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Louis University or Big Brothers Big Sisters in his memory.