On January 19, 2019, Tom Middleton, age 51, received an offer you can’t refuse for an appointment from which he will not be returning, complete with a huge sign-on bonus in the form of a reunion with family, friends, and the One for whom he lived. Tom was born March 5, 1967, in Saint Louis to loving parents, Thomas and Shirley Middleton. His childhood and youth were spent terrorizing white bass on Lake Pomme de Terre and honing his fishing skills with Uncle Bud on the Black River near the Middleton farm.
On June 25, 1994, Tom married Kelly Lewis, the love of his life, his best friend, and the recipient of his extravagant affection. (His mother said she knew Kelly was “the one” when he opened his checkbook to lavish her with gifts. ) They made memories all over the world with more love and laughter than words can capture.
Whether he was preparing youth fundraisers or assisting with a church decorating project, or she was the Sunday school lesson organizer or photographer on one of his fishing trips, they were an inseparable team. Tom founded a successful calibration business. His customers were not merely business associates but friends.
His talents with his business were matched by his skills at making his legendary chicken and dumplings and his ability to make everyone he ever met feel he was their best friend. Whether in Poplar Bluff, the St. Louis area, or businesses throughout the Midwest, Tom impacted lives too numerous to count. From mentoring young people, to leading in worship, or noticing the overlooked, Tom created a legacy never to be forgotten.
He was a pillar member of The Sanctuary where he served in a number of roles including board member, praise singer, community service volunteer, and discipleship teacher, among his many areas of service. Those who have taken his lessons to heart will ensure no lady ever opens her own door; every guest at church is greeted; every young adult has a safe place to find encouragement; every person weathering hardship is cared for, and no service is ever absent of passionate, sacrificial worship. Tom is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Middleton.
He is survived by his wife, Kelly; his mother, Shirley; a number of family and friends; and a host of children and youth who call him Uncle. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 24, from 4:00 pm until the time of the funeral service at 7:00 pm at The Sanctuary United Pentecostal Church in Hazelwood, MO. Memorial gifts can be directed to the Timothy A. Dugas Scholarship Fund through Urshan College or The Sanctuary United Pentecostal Church.
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