Thomas "Tom" Powelson, also known as "Sundrop" 82, of Louisiana, MO, passed away on August 9, 2026 at his home. Tom was the middle son of Melvin and Beatric (Colbert) Powelson. He was born February 15,1944 near Elsberry, Missouri. At a very young age, Tom, learned to work hard in rural farm life. This could have been riding the tractor in the fields , hoeing in their big garden or working at Forest Keeling Nursery. When he graduated from Elsberry High School, he wanted to join the Air Force, however, his high arches kept him from serving his country. Thus, he entered the workforce to begin his service to others. Tom attended Pike Lincoln Tech Center for electrical training.

Tom met his bride, Paulette through a mutual Elsberry friend. They were married August 29, 1970 at Whiteside Presbyterian Church. Tom served the church as Deacon, Elder and Building committee.Tom and Paulette were blessed with two children. Son John (Matt) of St. Louis and daughter Joy (Lance Hustedde) of Bowling Green. Two grandchildren, Tanner and Alli. Tom and Paulette served as Godparents to Danny Zweifel and Rosanne Plante.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, paternal grandparents Jobe and Oma Powelson and his maternal grandparents Thomas and Sarah Colbert, his older brother, Robert and many other relatives.

After Tom and Paulette moved to Louisiana, he became the man to call for anything to get fixed. It could be the furnace that went out at 2am for an elderly neighbor or the sewer was clogged. Once he snow plowed Highway D to get to a home where the furnace had quit and the
temperature was below zero. He enjoyed his time working at D & W Plumbing and Heating for Karl &  Allison Dewey and hours spent helping Gertrude with the cattle was special. Early 2000's he began working with Don Jenkins Superbus Construction. These luxury motorhomes were a sight to see from the empty shell to the finished product. "WOW" Not being a man to sit still, he started working with John B. Carroll to build the Piker's Restaurant. Once the restaurant opened he became the gopher for whatever was needed. Helping John B. at the farm was a highlight too.

Having a big garden which included big sunflowers was his joy! When the fruits of his labor produced, he delivered his vegetable to friends and family to enjoy. Not only was he the family chauffeur, he gladly became the designated driver for golf trips, Elks Lodge trips or just anyone who needed a ride home. Ask most students of Louisiana High School between early 1990's and into 2000's he was always working to help with a float or build a Prom even when John and Joy were not in the class. The bonus to his helping was having potato chip and chocolate chip cookies or gooey butter cake to share.  With any project Paulette asked him to help, he would especially if it was for our children in band, scouts or for the PCMH Relay for Life Theme of the year. As you can see, Tom did not want to be idle. Even in recent years, every night included a ride in town or surrounding Pike County. He loved watching the crops grow and during harvest. To see the geese with goslings on Stark's pond was a joy. Every time you drink a Sundrop or see a sunflower you can remember Tom as a friend to all.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes, & Crematory, 701 N. Business Hwy 61, Bowling Green, MO 63334.

Visitation will also be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Whiteside Presbyterian Church,  208 Church St., Whiteside, MO.

A funeral service to also follow on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. at the church. Rev. Murray Phillips to officiate.

Interment to follow in the  Auburn Cemetery, 59 Auburn Church Road ( Rural Silex) Pallbearers: Alli Hustedde, Mike Powelson, Justin Buchholz, Chris Currie, Braden Goewey, Mark Tilley  and Honorary Pallbearers- David Buchholz, Ryan Mills, Danny Zweifel, Rick Henry, Clyde Korte, Rene Gonzalez, Robbert Howland and Mateo.

In lieu of flowers: Memorial donations are requested to the: Whiteside Presbyterian Church, Pike County Memorial Hospital Foundation, any Veteran's Organizations or Donor's Choice, c/o the funeral home.

Family and Friends may sign the online guestbook @mcccoyblossomfh.com