Thomas Paul Gleeson III

It is with profound sorrow that the family of Thomas “Tom” Paul Gleeson III announces his passing on Sunday, October 18th, 2026, at the age of 75. He departed this life peacefully, surrounded by loved ones at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Born on February 22, 1951 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Thomas Paul and Mary (Franciscus) Gleeson. Tom was a devoted father, brother, and son who cherished his family and community. He was educated at University City Senior High and briefly studied at Southeast Missouri State University before pursuing a successful career in sales at Radio Shack and JCPenney before transitioning into insurance sales until his retirement in 2023. Tom served in the United States Marines, ran for public office in the city of Jackson multiple times, and was always looking for new ways to benefit the community, beginning with a volunteer project to clean up and refresh the city park in the mid-2000s. He was extremely proud of his children’s book, “Can Rabbits Read” which was acknowledged by then First Lady Laura Bush and he was instrumental in the development of the VA’s “I Care” initiative. During his time at the Veterans home, he enjoyed socializing with the staff, playing Bingo whenever he could, and watching westerns and telling stories with his roommate, Gary.

Tom is survived by his son, Thomas Paul Gleeson IV (Daniel LeDure), of Cape Girardeau; his brothers John Gleeson (Cindy Weikel) of Des Peres and Barry Gleeson (Ann Corley) of Chesterfield, ex-wife Karen Earl, who remained close, and numerous other loving family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Paul and Mary Gleeson, a brother, Andy Gleeson, and a sister, Kathy Forster.

Services: Friends and family are invited to attend a joint visitation for Tom and Kathy at SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, on Thursday, October 29, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 7148 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis on Friday, October 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 5239 W. Florissant Ave. in St. Louis. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.