As of Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023

Cities without a state are in Missouri 

OBITUARY

Tom Brown

Oct. 28, 1949 – Jan. 31, 2023

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Tom Brown after a long illness at the age of 73 on Jan. 31. Tom was a loving husband and best friend to Leslie Brown for the past 29 years.

Tom was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, on Oct. 28, 1949, to his parents, William “Browny” and Ida Brown. The family moved to Pacific, Mo., when he was 8, where he graduated from Pacific High School with the class of 1968.

Tom served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and after discharge became a DJ for a local radio station. He moved to Joplin in 1982, where he was a DJ for the WMBH country station under the radio name of “Dan Casey.” During that time he became well known for several weeks living on a billboard at the corner of Seventh Street and Range Line Road to raise $14,500 for “Friends Feeding Friends” to feed people in the Joplin area.

Tom also worked as a broadcaster and commentator for several local sports programs on radio and television. He was the broadcast announcer for Missouri Southern Lions baseball games for several seasons when they were in the championships. Tom was a diehard fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, constantly saying “other sports were just there to entertain us until the next baseball season.”

Tom hosted the MDA Labor Day Telethon “Fishbowl” for over 25 years receiving money for kids to have a better life.

Tom was a member of the first solar house team from Crowder College which competed in a Solar Decathlon competition in Washington, D.C. in 2002, winning “The People’s Choice Award.” Tom recorded broadcast tapes and overnighted them to a local TV station for the news.

Tom found his true passion when he acted in “A Christmas Story” at Stones Throw Dinner Theatre for the first time in 2008 with a very small part. The theater inspired him to become an actor, director, mentor of young people, grant writer, remodeler, maintenance man, summer kids theatre camp director, the theatre manager and the face of Stones Throw Dinner Theatre. One of his favorite productions was “To Kill A Mockingbird,” which won numerous Sally Awards. He finished stage involvement at Stones Throw by directing “A Christmas Story” in December 2022.

Tom is survived by his two children, Brandon Brown and spouse Stephanie, and Jill Jones and spouse Jack; his bonus children, Andrea Collier and spouse Brian, Eric Crow, and Whitney Crow and spouse Michael; and nine grandchildren, in order of birth, Julianne Kalpin, Allison Collier, Finley Crow, Jenna Collier, Harper Phelps, Reese Collier, Russell Collier, Asher Brown, and Jude Jones.

A service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Stones Throw Dinner Theatre, 2466 W. Old Route 66 Blvd, Carthage, MO 64836.

May Tom rest in peace and his memory live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.  

OBITUARY

Eric Wiseman

Sept. 3, 1971 – Jan. 29, 2023

Eric Jason Wiseman, a long-time resident of Webb City, passed from this life Sunday, Jan. 29, at MU Med Center following a sudden illness.

Eric was born Sept. 3, 1971, in Tulsa, Okla., to Fredrick and Carol Wiseman. The youngest of six siblings, Eric was both the joy and tormentor of his large family. 

Eric was a worker from a young age, getting up from bed to change from his pajamas back to his clothes to continue playing and building after being put to bed by his mother. To the rest of his siblings, he was the ideal partner in all adventures. Always up for sneaking to the pond for an illegal swim, shooting guns in his bedroom, or playing Barbies with his older sisters.

Eric attended the Catholic school system and is remembered by his classmates and friends for his wit and charm as well as his ability to get each of them into trouble with the nuns. It was in high school that he nurtured his love of music by teaching himself to play guitar and sing in many local bands. The friends he made during this time remember the charming, reckless adventurer who loved the outdoors; rappelling at Wildcat or from the top of Big Brutus. Everyone that encountered Eric has a story to tell and while they may sound like tall tales, Eric truly was larger than life.

Eric’s life became complete when he met Candace Frizzell. Candace was a nursing student and single mother to a precious little girl and did not have room in her life for distractions, but Eric’s persistence and obvious devotion won out, along with some help from those blue eyes and dimples. To all who have been a witness to their love throughout the years, it is apparent that the soul connection shared by Eric and Candace was infinite and unwavering. 

His love for Candace was made more complete by his adoration of her daughter, Kyndal, whom he loved as his own and was filled with pride at her spirit and determination. The family was completed with the birth of their son, Canon, who is the true embodiment of Eric’s tender heart, talent, and bravery. Eric will be forever present in Kyndal’s adventurous spirit, Canon’s gentle soul, and through the unending love of his beloved wife Candace.

Candace and Eric welcomed Canon into the world on Sept. 11, 2001, a day that altered the lives of a nation. As they greeted their new baby boy, planes hit the two towers. Eric knew that he must answer the call to serve his country and protect his family and the values he held dear. Eric bravely served his country in the Iraq conflict before returning to his wife and children. Upon his return, he promised his family he would not leave them again but remained in the Army Reserves for eight years. All who knew him thank and honor him for his service.

The following years were spent in familial bliss. Eric reveled in being involved with his children’s pastimes: watching Kyndal cheerlead or Canon on the football field, he was always there. The Wiseman home quickly became the central meeting place for the kids and their friends. He is known to the boys who he loved and treated as his own as “The Legend.” He further extended his family by welcoming into his home a host of international students, becoming their American Dad. The legacy of love, joy, adventure, and music that he has left to all he connected with will never dim.

Eric is preceded in death by his loving father, Rick, as well as his honored father-in-law, Ralph Frizzell. 

He is mourned and will be forever missed by his wife, Candace; children, Kyndal and Canon; loving mother, Carol Wiseman; revered mother-in-law Dianna Frizzell; siblings Scott, Chris and his wife Peggy, Noel and wife Natalie, Marissa and husband David Winnett, Rachel and husband Michael Goodrich; brother-in-law Dusty and wife Amy Frizzell; a host of nieces, nephews, lifelong friends, his boys, his bands and anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. We are blessed to have had him, but will forever feel the loss. Words are not enough to share our love and gratitude for all that he meant to us.

A funeral Mass was held Tuesday, Feb. 7, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Joplin, with the Rev. Brian Straus officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Parker Mortuary.