Thomas Edward Rafter Jr, of Battlefield Missouri, went to be with the Lord on June 28, 2026. He was 89 years old. Born on April 27, 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the oldest of nine children. Tom graduated from high school in Grafton, Ohio, completed junior college and served in the Marine Corps from 1957 through 1960. He was an entrepreneur, owning several businesses in his adult life.

He enjoyed reading, fishing and going to classic car shows. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. Most of all, he enjoyed time with his family vacationing and sharing in his children’s and grandchildren’s extracurricular activities. He would say that his most important life decision was accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and savior. Bible reading and studying was amongst his favorite activities. In his retirement years, he volunteered as a Christian witness in a women’s prison, served in a local food pantry and supported several Jewish-Christian ministries.

Tom had four children and three stepchildren. He had 13 grandchildren, 7 step grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, Battlefield Missouri; his son, Thomas E Rafter III and his wife Judy, Wichita, Kansas; and his son, Brian Scott Rafter and his wife, Tyra, Rolla, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Lynn Rafter, and his son, Ricky Jon Rafter, his parents, and two brothers.

Cremation by Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield, Missouri. Celebration of Life at New Life Church, 776 West Farm Rd. 186, Springfield, Missouri 65810 at 2 PM, July 6, followed by visitation to greet family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to “New Life Youth and Kids Camp Scholarship Fund”.