Tommy Erie Gaddis

Tommy Erie Gaddis, 79, entered Heaven on March 15, 2026, at his daughter’s home in Muskogee, Oklahoma, surrounded by all of his children. He arrived in the presence of Jesus on Ricki’s birthday—a coincidence the family believes was a special gift from God. Tommy often shared that he had been away from Ricki for far too long.

Tommy was baptized in the spring of 1979 at Fox Creek by Pastor Keys on a cold day. His children, Misti and Shane, were baptized alongside him.

He was born on January 23, 1947, at home on the family farm in Mountain Grove, Missouri, to Erie and Winnie (Cantrell) Gaddis, who preceded him in death. Tommy attended Ellis, a one-room schoolhouse, before attending Mountain Grove High School. Following high school, he worked at Brown Shoe Company and Holsum Bread.

In 1982, Tommy began his career in public service as a patrolman for the Mountain Grove Police Department. He was elected Chief of Police in 1989 and faithfully served in that role until 2004. He then continued his service as Eastern District Commissioner of Wright County until 2012. He often said it was a great privilege to serve the citizens of Mountain Grove and Wright County for thirty years. He was especially proud that his sons and grandsons, Cory and Tristan, followed in the law enforcement profession.

On January 14, 1968, Tommy married the love of his life, Ricki Hopper. To this union, four children were born. In addition to his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ricki Gaddis; sisters, Fern Johnson and Faye (Gene) Stottlemyre; brothers, Dale (Anne) and Donnie Gaddis; granddaughter, Schellby Loge; and great-granddaughter, Andi Loge Beauvais.

Tommy is survived by his four cherished children: daughter, Misti and Ovie Loge of Muskogee, Oklahoma, son, Shane and Kathy Gaddis of Kansas City, Missouri, son, Aaron and Melanie Gaddis of O’Fallon, Missouri, and daughter, Megan and Jack Noirfalise of Cabool, Missouri. He was blessed with 20 grandchildren whom “Pa Tommy” deeply loved: Cory, Tristan, and Talon (Haylee) Watson, Jonathan (Ashley) Cook, Andrew, Joel, Dylan, and Mackenzie Loge, Connor Gaddis, Aiden, Luke, and Chase Johnson, Matty Roth, Chaseton, Carson, and Parker Gaddis, Hunter Sparks, and Trenton Noirfalise, Maecy (Bryndynn) Montgomery, and Brody Noirfalise. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Embri Watson, Amelia Loge, Levi Beauvais, Addison Gaddis, and Axle Eaton.

Additional survivors include his sisters-in-law, Dee Gaddis of Troy, Missouri, Cheryl Womack of Peoria, Arizona, Michele Lietch of Marshfield, Missouri, and Donna Hopper of Republic, Missouri; and brother-in-law, James (Sharon) Hopper of Greenwood, Arkansas. Tommy also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own, along with many dear friends.

Tommy had a deep love for his family, his community, and his favorite teams, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a familiar face at his grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities and treasured traveling with Ricki and his family.

Tommy also served on numerous boards that benefited his community, including:

          Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Advisory Council

          Southwest Missouri Drug Task Force

          Wright County Child Death Review

          Mountain Grove Alumni Memorial Park

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to “Shop With A Hero,” a nonprofit organization Tommy founded to support children in need.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate medical professionals who cared for Tommy, including Dr. Wes Triplett, Dr. Ibrahim Abdalla, and Dr. Kishore Vipperla; the therapists and nurses at Complete Home Health; and the staff at Complete Hospice. Special thanks are given to his loving caregiver, Shelby Loughmiller.

The family also expresses their gratitude to Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mountain Grove, Cornerstone Funeral Home in Muskogee, Chief Danny Bledsoe, and the Mountain Grove Police Department for their beautifully coordinated efforts in bringing Tommy home.

Tommy’s legacy of service, love, and dedication to family and community will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Memorial contributions may be made to "Shop With A Hero" in care of the funeral home.