In Loving Memory of Thomas David Williams

Tom, passed away on October 1, 2026, following his battle with metastatic bladder cancer. Born on November 17, 1954, Tom lived life with an old-school spirit, a competitive nature, an incredible knowledge of sports and trivia, and a love for the people who surrounded him.

Tom shared 35 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Karen (Foege) Williams. Their story began at Forestwood Park in Ferguson, where Karen frequently watched her brother, Bill, play baseball. Bill was another pitcher on Tom’s team, and those afternoons at the ballpark brought Tom and Karen together, marking the beginning of a life they would share.

Tom was a proud father of Benjamin Thomas Williams and Zachary Albert Williams, father in law to Vivian (Whaley), and son-in-law of Peggy Foege. He was also a loving brother to Sharon Knoppe and Larry Williams and brother-in-law to Bill and Kim Foege and Patti Williams. Tom was loved by all his nieces and nephews, Ashley and Matt Caldwell, Jessica and Sarah Williams, Samuel and Katie Coffey, and Danielle and Erin Foege. He was especially proud to be godparent to Kevin and John Anderson and to Jessica Williams. His family was a central part of his life, and the memories they shared will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hank and Shirley Williams.

As a father, Tom’s greatest legacy was not simply the activities he shared with his sons, but the people they became. He and Karen raised their boys with love, encouragement, the freedom to discover their own interests and become their own people. Tom’s influence lives on in the values he instilled, the example he set, and the caring and thoughtfulness his sons carry into their own lives. Knowing that his care helped shape the men his sons have become was a source of deep pride. For Tom, fatherhood meant being there, offering guidance and supporting his boys as they found their way in the world.

Some of Tom’s most cherished memories were made on family vacations with the Foeges. His father-in-law, Bill L. Foege, and mother-in-law, Peggy Foege, made a tradition of hosting summer trips to wonderful destinations, including San Francisco, New York, and Hawaii. These vacations brought together Tom and Karen’s family of four and Bill R. and Kim Foege’s family of four, creating treasured memories and strengthening the bonds between them. These trips were about more than visiting exciting places; they were about being together, sharing experiences, and creating family memories that would last a lifetime.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Tom loved sports both as a player and a spectator. A loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan, he brought his competitive spirit and deep knowledge of the game to everything he did. One of the special ways he shared his love of baseball was by helping coach The Crush, his sons’ baseball team. Whether on the field coaching, cheering vigorously from the sidelines, or watching from a tree in the outfield, Tom was always engaged and ready to share his thoughts. His vast knowledge of sports history meant he almost always had the scoop. Tom loved the competition, the details, and the camaraderie that sports brought into his life. The memories made on the baseball field and the lessons he shared will live on long after the final out.

Tom also valued the friendships he made during his years at Parkway North/Central High School. Over the years, he reconnected with old classmates and kept in touch with friends from those days. These lasting friendships were a testament to the relationships he treasured and the connections that remained important to him throughout his life.

Tom was old school through and through. He had strong opinions, a competitive streak, and a passion for the things he loved. He also had a gift for connecting with people and sharing what he knew. Beyond sports, he will be remembered as a beloved cousin, coach, friend, and mentor to many. He made a difference in the lives of countless people, both on and off the field, and the lessons he shared will continue long after his passing.

Tom leaves behind a lifetime of memories, friendships, and stories that will be told for years to come. He will be remembered for his love of family, his devotion to sports, his competitive spirit, his wealth of knowledge, his enduring friendships, and the unmistakable old-school character that made him who he was.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former teammates, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy will live on in the people he loved, the lives he influenced, the friendships he maintained, and the many memories that will forever bring him to mind.

Tom may be gone, but the stories, the sports knowledge, and the old-school spirit will never be forgotten.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life honoring Tom will be held on November 20, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Syberg’s Dorsett. Family and Tom’s many close friends are invited.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home
www.osfuneralhomes.com