Thomas Dunlap Dwyer, known as Tom, was born June 30, 1927 the only child of George T. and Clara Dunlap Dwyer.  Tom died at his home in Springfield, Missouri on October 22, 2018.

Surviving are his son Thomas Winn "Tommy" Dwyer of Springfield, Missouri, Tommy's partner, Lois Robinson and his step-sons Maxwell Karasek, Zachary Karasek, and Trevor Karasek; daughter Peggy Diane Dwyer of Springfield and her son Colin Dwyer-Keon; daughter Claire Dwyer Nelson of Houston, Texas and her daughter Amelia and husband Edwin; daughter Cathleen Dwyer Scholl of Roswell, Georgia, her children Steven and Caitlin, and husband Brad; and daughter Eileen Dwyer of Houston, Texas.  Tom was also survived by nieces Valerie Phillips Mitchem and Alison Phillips Smith and their families, his dearest friend Barbara Brown, and his much-beloved dog, Maggie.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his former wife and mother of his children, Patricia Winn Dwyer.

Tom graduated from Springfield Senior High School in 1944.  He attended Drury College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949.  He then pursued his law degree at the University of Missouri, graduating in 1955 with his JD.  While pursuing his JD, he was honored by being inducted into Order of the Coif and by being invited to serve on Law Review.  He passed the Missouri Bar Exam shortly after graduation and was a member of the Bar until his death.

Tom's educational pursuits were interrupted briefly when he volunteered to serve in the United States Navy from 1949 to 1953.  He served on board the USS Hitchiti during the period 1951-1952.  For reasons known only to him, his knickname while on board was "Doc".

For most of his adult life, Tom practiced law in Springfield, Missouri. He pursued a civil practice first as a partner to Irving W. Schwab and later as a sole practitioner. During the period of 1971-1973, Tom served as the first full-time United States Magistrate for the Western District of Missouri. While serving, Tom instituted procedures for processing and hearing prisoner petitions at the United States Medical Center.

An accomplished musician, Tom first played professionally as a drummer in dance bands while still attending Senior High. He also briefly played drums with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Equally talented on piano, he was well known for playing 40s and 50s tunes at the drop of a hat at informal gatherings of friends and family.

Tom was also known for his intelligence, quick mind and strong opinions. Although well-versed in many disciplines, he had a particularly strong interest in politics. His pithy letters to the editor on political topics were frequently published by the Springfield News and Leader. Tom was a member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, the National Association of Fleet Tug Sailors, as well as other civic and professional organizations.

Tom's pride in his five children surpassed even his strong political convictions. He was deeply interested in the details of their lives and those of his grandchildren. He maintained close contact and for many years enjoyed traveling to visit his out-of-town children on holidays and other special occasions.

Visitation will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Friday, October 26, 2018 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM. Private graveside services will follow on Saturday, October 27. Memorial contributions may be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind or Care to Learn.