Thomas Lee Klaus

Thomas Klaus, 88, of Columbia, MO passed away Friday, August 30, 2024 with his family by his side. Visitation will be Thursday, September 5th from 5-7pm at Memorial Funeral Home 1217 Business Loop 70 West Columbia. Funeral Service will be 10am, Friday, September 6th followed by burial at 2pm in California Cemetery California, MO.

Thomas was born January 24, 1936 in Manchester, IA to Paul and Bernice Podhaski Klaus. He served in the US Air Force until he was honorably discharged in 1963. His mother worked as a House Mom at Stephens College, and he would visit her while away on leave from the Air Force. On one of those visits he met Ruth Scott, and they would later marry. He moved to Columbia and worked as a manager for the Westlake’s Ace Hardware. He later opened his own hardware store and operated that for several years. He was an avid golfer and fisherman. He also engraved decorative stones and rocks for friends and family and created some unique gravestones as well.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Klaus of Columbia; daughter, Lea Ann Cornman of Columbia; grandchildren, Clara Luster, Cameron Cornman, & Carter Cornman; great grandchildren, Madilynn Mata, Annabelle Luster, & Tripp Luster; nieces and nephews, a loving extended family, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, P. Benjamin Klaus; and a sister, Carol Hansen.

Memorial contributions may be made to the grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s college funds.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com