Thomas E. Bersett

Thomas E. Bersett, 81, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Wentzville, Missouri on May 2, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on July 26, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, Tom graced the world with his witty charm and dad jokes that could make even the sternest of faces break into laughter.

Tom leaves behind the love of his life, his wife Jeanne Bersett nee Meyer, whom he adored for nearly 59 wonderful years. His legacy continues through his children: Jeff (Amy) Bersett of New Wilmington, PA; Kathy (Alan) Wight of Williamsfield, IL; and Jenny Bersett of Wentzville, MO. Tom was blessed with many grandchildren, including Parker (Kelly) Wight, Garrett (Libbie) Wight, Harrison (Taylor) Wight, Nat Bersett, Graham Wight, Carley Hefner, Claire Hefner, and Lizzie Bersett, all of whom will carry his spirit forward.

He is preceded in death by his father, William Bersett; mother, Viola Bersett nee Janning; and brother, Gerald Bersett.

Tom's journey in life was marked by his exemplary career as a metallurgical engineer, where he dedicated 40 years of service to Olin Brass after starting his professional path at Nooter Corporation. His academic foundations were strong; he graduated from Corpus Christi Grade School and St. Louis University High School, before earning his Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla, where he proudly joined the ranks of the Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity.

A man who loved life’s simpler pleasures, Tom had many hobbies and interests that brought him joy. He had a fondness for reading, fishing, playing cards, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals—both football and baseball. He loved his Kindle and read the weekly TV Guide cover to cover, always looking forward to his favorite TV shows. He organized the annual Bersett Cousins Canoe Trip on the Current River and also became a March Madness pool planner. As the years went by, his passion shifted toward cheering on and supporting his eight grandchildren at their events. In his later life, Tom found solace and peace spending time in his home with his loving wife.

Tom was a member of Saint Theodore's Catholic Church in Flint Hill, MO. He was a proud “one-gallon blood donor” with the American Red Cross, a testament to his generous and caring nature.

A Mass of remembrance will be held at St. Theodore Catholic Church in Wentzville, Missouri, on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with Burial immediately following at the St. Theodore Catholic Church Cemetery. There will be a celebration of life and luncheon after the conclusion of the Burial Service. There will surely be many dad jokes and laughter, as Tom would have wanted.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Phoenix Home Health and Hospice, especially Tom's special caretaker, Josh, for his compassionate care during Tom's final days. Tom leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter in a world that felt brighter with him in it. He will be dearly missed, but his memory will forever bring smiles to those fortunate enough to have known him.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Tom's name to St. Theodore Catholic Church or The American Red Cross Blood Services.