Thomas (Tom) Bert Elliff

Thomas (Tom) Bert Elliff, 75, of Lee's Summit, MO formerly of Columbia and Hannibal, MO passed away at 3:55 p.m. Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at John Knox Care Center in Lee's Summit. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 27, 2018, at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel. Pastor David Scott will officiate. Burial with full military honors provided by the Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post No. 55 will be in the Mount Olivet Cemetery. Thomas was born on July 20, 1942, in Amarillo, TX the son of Curtis and Evaline (Maynard) Elliff. He was previously married to Patricia Stanley and later married Marilyn Simms on February 14, 1986, in Hannibal, MO. She preceded him in death on August 16, 2016. Survivors include two children, Trelah Nagy (Paul) of Fairway, KS and Shawn Elliff (Cary) of Lee's Summitt, MO; one stepdaughter, Janiene Schoyer (Gerald) of Weston, MO; one brother, Curtis Elliff of Denison, TX; and seven grandchildren. Mr. Elliff was preceded in death by his parents and both wives. Tom earned his Bachelor of Science in Geology from West Texas State University. Upon graduation, Tom proudly served his country in the United States Army as a 1st Lieutenant during Vietnam from 1965-1966. Mr. Elliff worked as a Geologist in the private industry for US Steel and Continental Cement in Hannibal, MO and also at Franklin Limestone in Temple, TX. Later in his career, Tom worked as a federal mining safety inspector in Illinois. Upon retirement, Tom and Marilyn made their home in Columbia, MO and after Marilyn's passing Tom moved to the Kansas City area to be closer to his children. Tom enjoyed the simple things in life. He enjoyed watching his children during their youth participate in sports, watching sporting events on TV, or just simply reading a book. His biggest love was the time spent with his family. Mr. Elliff was a Methodist by faith. Pallbearers will be Shawn Elliff, Paul Nagy, and Gerald Schoyer. Memorial contribution may be made to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, American Kidney Foundation or the American Cancer Society, in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Chapel.