Tom L Fanning, 63, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2024.

Tom was born February 24, 1961, in St. Joseph Mo to Janice and Norman Fanning. He attended Blair Elementary, Truman Middle School, and Central High School. Tom was the proud owner of Tom Fanning trash service and was loved and respected by his customers.  Tom greeted everyone he met with a warm smile, a tall tale, and a good joke.

"We sure are going to miss Tom. Super nice guy and even better at his job! Every pet on his route is really going to miss him! Our dog would hear him coming and be waiting for Tom to throw down a handful of Milk Bones!" - Deanna Bryson-Musser (Facebook).

Tom was a big sports fan and lifelong collector of baseball cards and rare coins. Tom was a regular contributor to The Barry Burr radio show. Tom enjoyed playing and coaching softball, bowling, playing cards and traveling to southern Missouri. Tom enjoyed doing volunteer work throughout St. Joseph. Tom was also an avid lover of cats and dogs.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Janice Fanning and Norman Fanning,  older brother Jack Fanning and brother-in-law Jesse Kerns, and several aunts and uncles. Tom is survived by his sister Cathie and Rick Nocks, sister Terry Kernes, brother Michael and Stacey Fanning, Sister Linda and Ronald Tyler, sister-in-law Susan Fanning, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will take place on Friday November 15, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  At Heaton-Bowman-Smith-Sidenfaden Chapel, 3609 Frederick Ave, St Joseph, MO 64506. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the St Joseph Animal Shelter.