Cherished and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to so many. Faithful servant and follower of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Tommy Neil Delamater, Sr., passed away at age 97 from his earthly home in Springfield, MO to his heavenly home, where he undoubtedly heard, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant! Enter into the joys of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)

Tom was born January 3, 1929, to Lula and Henry B. Delamater in Strafford, MO. He had two older brothers, William and Richard Delamater, and an older sister, Barbara, all deceased. It was the Great Depression and not only was his family poverty stricken, but Tom became orphaned at age six when his mother died. Tom lived in eleven different homes and orphanages before joining the US Army, being stationed at Fort Dix, NJ. While attending a gathering in Roebling, NJ, he met and soon fell in love with Evelyn Bell. After being honorably discharged in 1949, he and Evelyn married and shared 67 wonderful years together, until Evelyn entered heaven in 2016. To this union was born four children: son Tommy Neil (wife Pita) of Anaheim, CA, Nancy L. Conner (husband Bill) of Springfield, MO, son Robert William (husband Craig) of Oakland, CA, daughter Pamela Joy Stilson (husband Brian) of Muldrow, OK, and one adopted son Curtis Brooks (wife Marie) of Granbury, TX. 

Tom received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at age 24 and soon after enter Philadelphia College of the Bible. Upon graduating, he soon began pastoring at Red Lion Faith Chapel in Vincentown, NJ and later Church of the Open Bible in Riverside, NJ. At both locations, Tom headed up building programs with new chapels being completed. But more importantly, many lives were touched as Tom had a passion for the poor, the hurting and the sick. But God had other ministry plans for Tom when God led him to move his young family across the country to Southern California in 1967. He then joined the Hospital Chaplains Ministry of America in 1969. Tom served many years at Chapman General Hospital, Canyon General Hospital, Kaiser Permanente Hospital, and Fountain Valley Community Hospital, ministering to the suffering. Later, Tom became Executive Director of the HCMA, leading and training hospital chaplains. He developed and conducted hospital and church outreach seminars nationwide and developed and published The Trainee and Teacher’s Manual for all HCMA chaplains. He also opened seven hospitals in Orange County to the chaplaincy, placing HCMA chaplains in each. Wherever he traveled, he was always looking for new potential chaplains. No one knows how many lives he touched with the loving and compassionate message of Jesus Christ, but God himself. 

Tom had a heart of gold and created many fond memories for his children and grandchildren. He was a curious, playful, and visionary man. He loved learning about animals, history, and people’s personal stories. He designed countless automated machines on his endless tablets of lined yellow paper. He built everything from go-carts to backyard pools. He could fix almost anything with cardboard, tape, and a screwdriver. He spent years developing a technology that could bring puppets to life and spent countless hours in his garage workshop envisioning a staged show that would teach kids how Ben Franklin used a kite and key to prove that lightning was electricity. He loved to swim, and the ocean was one of his favorite places. Tom made sure his kids experienced camping, bluegrass music, fossil hunting, skiing, long road trips, and rain! One of his favorite things was to watch a rainstorm through the living room window and then occasionally go out with his kids and play in it. He was a storyteller and actor. He was infamous for his invented Indian stories and frightening Frankenstein reenactments. He was joyful, silly, compassionate, and endlessly loving. He was one of the truly great Dads. 

His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all survive. Grandchildren include Heather (Milles) Long of Springfield, MO, Brian (Amy) Conner of Springfield, MO, Ashley (Jordan) Jenkins of Kuna, ID, Taylor (Makayla) Conner of Springfield, MO, Rory (Allie) Mates of Ontario Ranch, CA, and Troy Mates of Muldrow, OK. Great-Grandchildren include Malik Stiffler, Gabriel Canady, Olivia Canady, Elijah Canady, Madeline (Will) Stafford, Kamryn Long, Alyssa Conner, Jada, Remy, and Téa Jenkins. 

No words can describe the wonderful legacy and impact he made on his entire family and the many lives he touched. He was one -of-a kind, will never be forgotten, and greatly missed. We know his reward will be great. See you in heaven, Dad! 

Visitation will be held Monday, August 24, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Hillside Baptist Church. Funeral Service will follow at noon in the church. Burial will be at Danforth Cemetery following services.