Thomas Hartwell Epling

Thomas Hartwell Epling, 60, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Saturday, Aug. 19, at his home in Nevada. Tom was born Feb. 18, 1963, in Kansas City, Mo., to Hartwell Riggs and Lilac Edith (Jill) (Holmes) Epling. He married Mary Ellen (Harry) Kutina on March 18, 2005, and she survives of the home.

Tom grew up in Adrian, Mo., and attended Adrian High School where he graduated in 1981. He moved to Nevada after graduating with a Journalism Degree from CMSU in Warrensburg. Tom worked in the newspaper business at Nevada Daily Mail and the Fort Scott Tribune. He also worked at KNEM/KNMO Radio in Nevada, and KMOE in Butler. He was currently employed with the State of Missouri.

In addition to his wife, Mary, he is survived by his stepchildren, Joseph Kutina, Sheldon, Anna Fritter (Kyle), Nevada, Winter Kutina, Nevada, and Will Kutina, Nevada; stepgrandchildren, Pierson Dennison, Parker Dennison, Paden Dennison, Piper Fritter, Niya Talbert, Kasen Talbert, Brooklyn Kutina-Smith, Loretta Kutina, and Bellamy Kutina; three siblings, Nancy Novitski (Mike), Indiana, Sally Land (John), Illinois, and John Caster (Heather), Los Angeles; nieces and nephews, Payton Smith, Jordan Smith, Aubrey Smith, Connor Novitski, Patricia Furrell, Conrad Castor (Danielle Billman), and Colleen Castor (Mark Malcomb); and great-nieces and -nephews, Samantha, Joey and Cassidy, Mark and Leia, and Charlotte and Evelyn. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, Sept. 17, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Wine Journal in Adrian.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.