Chester T. "Tom" Fairbanks

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Chester T. "Tom" Fairbanks, 65, Fordland, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 25, in Cox South Medical Center, Springfield.

He was born May 26, 1951 in Nevada, the son of the late Chester M. and Doris L. (Thomas) Fairbanks. He was united in marriage to Nora E. "Beth" Nelson. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Janice Phillips.

Tom was with the Missouri Department of Corrections for 28 years before retiring as a correctional officer and was a part of their E Squad. He was a firefighter and first responder for nine years and served on the Board of Directors of the Southern Webster County Fire Protection District, and Fire Chief for the City of Fordland from 1985 until 1987. He had been a member of the Greater Ozark Mustang Club since 1992. He was a graduate of Nevada High School, Class of 1969, and Draughon Business College. He enjoyed camping, fishing, NASCAR, football, little league baseball, birdwatching, and photography.

He is survived by wife, Beth; a son, Mike and Amanda Fairbanks; a daughter, Amy and Nathan Green; two brothers, Larry and Janie Fairbanks; and Bob and Katie Fairbanks; six grandchildren, Raniahh, Kalyia, Eturnatee, Keisha, Daniel and Miranda; three nieces, Storma McMurry, Cynthia Fairbanks, and Jennifer Galaviz; six nephews, Steven Nelson, Shane Fairbanks, John Fairbanks, David Fairbanks, Barry Phillips, and Greg Phillips; several great nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.

Private services will be held at a later date. The body has been cremated.

Online condolences may be made at www.jdleeandsons.com.