Tommy Dale Ferrell, aged 81, born in Charleston, Missouri, passed into the arms of Jesus on March 7, 2024.  Well known as a talented graphic and fine artist, Tom served in the US Navy as an illustrator on Admiral Zumwalt’s staff in London, England.  Having served honorably in the US Navy, he returned home to the Ozarks where he worked as a production manager for Noble & Associates, Advertising Manager for Paul Mueller, Company and as Creative Director for Silver Dollar City until his retirement.  Proficient in all mediums, Tom placed in several juried art shows, winning numerous Best of Show awards and he enjoyed photography, drawing and painting his entire long life.  Tom was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys and enjoyed fishing in his spare time.  A fan of western movies, science fiction and country and western music he was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed riding his beloved horses.

Tom was raised in southeast Missouri where he graduated East Prairie High School in East Prairie, Missouri and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Memphis Academy of Art.  Raised in the Pentecostal faith, Tom was a Christian from an early age and a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri for more than twenty-five years.

Tom is survived by his wife, Olivia (Bockhorst) Ferrell and their three children, Rachel McNamara, Bill Ferrell and Vanessa Akers and three grandchildren, James, McNamara, Jr, Lane Ferrell, who preceded him in death, Olivia Hudson and Trinity Hudson as well as four great-grandchildren, and his five brothers and sisters, Sheila and Danny Smithson of East Prairie, Missouri, Dennis and Ann Ferrell of Paducah, Kentucky, Sharon and David Moore of Green Cove Springs, Florida, Randy and Connie Ferrell of East Prairie, Missouri and Connie and El Willman of St. James, Missouri and a passel of nieces and nephews, who will all miss his wit and infectious laugh.

The committal service for Tom will be held at 10 a.m. on March 22, 2024 at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery in Springfield with a reception to follow at the Kelby Creek Clubhouse at 1312 Kelby Parkway, Nixa, Missouri 65714.