Obituary of Thomas Linn Fite

Thomas Linn FIte, 70, of Doniphan, Missouri, passed away August 28, 2016, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family and his best friend, Leroy Reddin. Tom was born October 6, 1945, in Bonne Terre, Missouri, to the late Wesley and Marjorie (Forshee) Fite of Sullivan, Missouri. On October 27, 2001, he married Kelly Ann Richardson of Doniphan at Good Hope Church in Grandin, Missouri, whom he remained happily married to for almost 15 years. She survives. He graduated from Fort Dodge, Iowa, High School. In 1979 Thomas received an Associate Degree in Applied Science and an Associate Degree in Mechanical Admissions. He graduated with honors. Mr. Fite worked for the Pea Ridge Mines in Sullivan before retiring from UPS. Tom loved to travel and enjoyed his family and Current River. He was an avid outdoorsman, loving to hunt, trap and also won many traditional bowhunting competitions. In 2012 he fulfilled his lifelong dream of traveling “the Alaska Highway” with his wife, Kelly. They spent almost a month exploring Alaska. Tom is survived by his sister, Ruthann and husband David Skipper of Huntsville, Alabama; 5 children, Gretchen Branson and husband Brad of Owensville, Missouri; Stacy Dahms and fiance’ Kurt Politte of Sullivan; Tommy Fite, Jr. and wife Deanna of Ozark, Missouri; Ellen Hewlett and husband Al of Millington, Tennessee; and Jessica Arnold and husband Ronnie of Doniphan; 16 grandchildren, Jesse, Brandy Cortney, Cody, Frankie, Jordan, Skyler, Ethan, Kate, Tome, Alex, Grace, Addisyn, Tyler, Bella and Brylie; and 5 great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and in-laws. Tom will be missed by many other friends and family who enjoyed his stories, love and his undeniable wisdom. He will be greatly missed and always deeply loved. His final gift in life was the privilege of being an organ donor, a profound belief. There will be a memorial service at the home of Thomas on Sunday, September 11, 2016, from 2 – 4 p.m. All friends and family are invited to attend.