Thomas Barry Wallis
Thomas Barry Wallis, Sr., age 57 of St. Peters, MO lost his short but courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, April 1, 2017. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Sheri Reeder Wallis; daughters, Marissa Rene Joplin and Deanna Marie Wallis; son, Thomas Barry Wallis II; and granddaughter Melody Rene Joplin. Tom was deeply loved by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Donna Reeder; his siblings by marriage: Connie (Trey) Broussard, Brenda (Kevin) Higginbotham, Susan (John) Keilholz, Alan (Kristi) Reeder ; nieces Alicia, Deiadra, Kayla, Sarah, Natalie; nephews Zachary, Brett, Devin, Tyler, Colston and many great nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Janet Wallis and Paul Wallis; his brother Frank Wallis; and his niece Alyssa Reeder.
Tom was a devoted and loving family man. He loved his wife and children very much and loved to spend time with them inside and outside the home. He cherished his granddaughter and loved to take her to Chuck E. Cheese and to get snow cones!
Tom achieved his bachelor’s degree from Radford University and his master’s degree from Lindenwood University. Tom was dedicated to his passion of teaching and truly believed he was called to be a teacher and to make a difference. Tom sincerely cared for his students and loved to find ways to make learning fun. Tom was a teacher at Hazelwood West Middle School, where he had been employed for many years. Tom also touched the lives of many students during the years he taught at Confluence Academy in St. Louis, Blackhawk Middle School in Warrenton, MO, and in Mississippi the Gulfport and Harrison County School Districts. The relationship between Tom and his students was unique and special. They were respected, inspired, and adored by him.
Tom also enjoyed coaching and coached all of his children in various sports. Tom coached in the schools and was most recently the boys and girls basketball coach at Hazelwood West Middle School. When Tom wasn’t coaching a school sport, he was on the sidelines cheering for students at their games and events.
In his free time, Tom was a car enthusiast and loved working on cars and attending car shows. He also loved sports and enjoyed watching them on TV and attending games in person.
Tom was a big kid at heart and well known for being kind, funny, loving, and goofy. He had a larger than life personality and was always entertaining with his silly personality. He loved being a comedian and always looked for ways to put a smile on your face. Tom was not only very generous in life, but also after. Tom had hoped to be an organ donor, but due to the cancer he was not able. So Tom asked that his body be donated to science, in hopes of helping to find a cure for kidney cancer and to allow students to learn from him.
A celebration of Tom’s life and memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of St. Charles on Friday, April 7, 2017. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 6:00 and the service will begin at 6:00. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that donations be made to cancer research organizations.
Dearest Sheri, I am heart broken for you, the children and family. TOM was a very nice person whenever I saw him. I know you loved him with all of your heart and soul. Being one of God’s loving children, remember he is whole again in the arms of our wonderful Lord. I love you. Linda.
Thinking of the family..so sorry for your loss.
Chelley and John Pratt
Sheri – my heart goes out to you and your children. Prayers for comfort in this time.
Sheri and family my heart hurts for you all. I pray you guys that you will have strength to get through theses difficult times and heal as time goes by. I hate that he is gone but glad he is no longer in pain. For the 7 years I have known him he has always been real, loyal, goofy, and a great friend. He was crazy and loud with me which is why I think we got along so much. His passion for teaching and making learning fun was amazing and the connections he could make with all kids is something you rarely see. I miss my partner in crime and will always have hold a space in my heart to remember what a great person he was.
Sorry for the long book lol
Wallis Family, I hope it brings you comfort to know that when Tom was away from you, you were always on his mind. Tom was a proud family man and mentioned often how lucky he was to have such a loving and caring family that allowed him to pursue his dreams and passion which was teaching. Tom was gracious and caring to the very end which is no surprise to those who knew and loved him. Thank you for sharing him with us. God Bless.
Sheri and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Even though I never meet Tom, I saw a wonderful father, husband and teacher from the many FB postings. Prayers for God’s arms to surround you with comfort. Know that we love you!!
Greatly enjoyed Tom’s friendship in Virginia in the 80’s. This sad news is the first I’ve heard of him since he moved, but I am so happy he found a soul mate and raised a family. Knowing his sense of humor and heart of gold, I know he had to be an amazing husband and father. Rest In Peace, dear friend!
I so sorry for your loss. My son had Mr. Wallis when he was at Warrenton. He was a great teacher and coach. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Sherri, I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Tonight as he walks with our Lord he is pain free. I know how much you and the kids miss him and pray the Lord will hold you in his loving arms through this time. Love in Christ. Pam
Sheri my heart breaks for you and your family. I know he is missed by so many. Prayers for peace and strength for all of you.
to Mr.Wallis family i am so very sorry for your lost hes in the better place now its hard to accept but it takes awhile. stay strong <3
rip Mr.Wallis it hurts to not see him in the hallways anymore… he was the best teacher I’ve ever had. i wish i could see him one more .. i hate the fact that i have to go to his classroom everyday and not being able to see him or hear one of his stories or jokes! But i am going to stay strong and keep my head high,rest easy Mr.Wallis!
Mr. Wallis was a very amazing teacher to me and everyone who had him. My heart lays very heavy and I send prayers for the family! He truly was an amazing man! Always made all his students laugh and smile his favorite thing was his bumble bee costume. Prayers for the family
Sherri,
My name is Toshia. I was married to Jack. He also passed away from cancer on dec 17, 2017. I have never met any of the family, and I know Jack has a son. I would like for him to meet his 9 year old sister if possible. Please find me on facebook. We live in Oklahoma.