It is with heavy hearts that we write this. Thomas Junior Canter passed away on the night of January 14th of a heart attack.  It was unexpected, but he did not suffer. He is survived by his wife Karen and his children Tom, Donna, Lola, Kat, Dana, Michelle and Austin; his grandchildren Thomas, Enoch, Wyatt, Henry, and Hudson; and his sisters Irene, Loretta, and Buretta.


Tom was an incredible man.  He was a family man who loved his wife and kids dearly.  His friendships were strong and never wavering. He would give and help others in unfortunate circumstances, even when it meant he to do without in order to do so.


Tom embodied the phrase “selfless service”. He served multiple tours in the Army, both in Vietnam as a new recruit and in Europe/Asia as a member of the Special Forces.  He retired a 1SG promotable. After his time in the army, he taught for several years at multiple schools located in south Missouri as a JROTC instructor. He would spend many nights and weekends helping kids to become better people.  He was a profound and inspiring leader whose hand guided many young men and women into a better life. His memory lives on through them and many others.


We are asking for these funds because Tom was a Veteran that was unable to obtain life insurance due to complications from exposure to chemicals in Vietnam. His sudden passing is a shock both emotionally and financially to his family.


Tom was a friend, a father, a husband, a brother, a son, a soldier, a teacher, a writer, a poet, a storyteller, a builder, a mentor, an inspiration, and many more to so many people. But most of all, he was ours. We were all blessed to have him in our lives, however long or short that was.


God bless you, Tom. You will be missed.