July 15, 1949 – January 1, 2014

Paul Thomas “Tom” Presbury, Sr., 64, passed away unexpetedly January 1, 2014 at his home near Orrick, Mo. Tom as he was best know, was born on July 15, 1949 in Kansas City, Mo., to John Harding Presbury and May (Ostertag) Presbury. He attended and graduated from high school at the Ruskin High School in Kansas City with the class of 1967.

Tom studied mechanics at Longview Community College in Kansas City. He was a Master Mechanical Technician and was honored by his induction into the Michigan Master Mechanics Hall of Fame. He was the former co-owner and operator of Jerry’s Conoco in Independence, Mo., for over 25 years. Tom’s passion was cars, which he loved to work on, build and race. Tom loved his son and daughter and the grandchildren and every moment he spent with them.

Tom had lived in Independence and Kansas City before moving to Orrick several years ago.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Patty Olson.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Paul Thomas Presbury, Jr and wife, Lisa of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; his daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly Ann Presbury McGinnis and husband, Rodney of Orrick; brother, Jack Presbury of Virginia; and grandchildren, Tommy Presbury, Steven Higginbotham, Kymmie Higginbotham and Brian McGinnis. Tom would have soon became a great grandfather with the coming birth of baby Higgie.

Memorials may be given to the family to help with funeral expenses, payable to Kim McGinnis.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, January 5, 2014, with funeral services immediatley following at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Cremation will follow services.