Anthony Otto "Tony" Strope

Anthony Otto “Tony” Strope, 77, of St. Thomas, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at his home.

He was born on August 30, 1948, in Jefferson City, the son of Norbert Gerhardt and Celestine “Sally” (Schmidt) Strope.

Tony was a 1966 graduate of Helias High School.

He was united in marriage on March 7, 1970, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Fulton, Missouri, to Marsha Gowin, who survives at the home.

Tony was owner/operator of Kliethermes Decorating Center.

He liked mushroom and quail hunting, fishing, cutting wood, and vegetable gardening. Sharing produce with his neighbors and friends brought him joy. Watching sports helped him through the winters with Mizzou and Kansas City Chiefs being two of his favorite teams. He loved to torment people, especially Marsha about the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. He was a very competitive pinochle and pitch player which has been passed down through the generations. His family will miss all the wonderful BBQ gatherings he had throughout the years.

In his younger years he played fast pitch softball for Schulte’s IGA and coached his son in baseball from little league through high school. He loved to entertain his friends and family. His children and grandchildren were the highlight of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Marsha; two children, Vanessa (David) Frahm, Wardsville, and Wayne (Dana) Strope, Jefferson City; six grandchildren, Cory Strope, Lauren Strope, Auburn Frahm (fiancé Parker Wideman), Jaden Frahm, Justin Strope and Brandon Strope; one sister, Judy (Jim) Irwin, St. Thomas, and a sister-in-law, Lisa Gowin, Whitewater, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Joyce Strope, and a brother-in-law, Terry Gowin.

Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Thursday, November 20, 2025, at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Leonard Mukiibi, officiating.

Burial will be in St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association or to St. Thomas Parish or School.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com