Charles "Tom" Thomas Bollinger

Charles Thomas “Tom” Bollinger, 71, of Blue Springs, Mo., joined his wife in Heaven on April 18th, 2021 after his body decided it was done fighting all the ailments he had faced through the years. He was an amazing husband, supportive father, and a dedicated grandparent. He always had a smile and kind words for everyone he met and didn't know a stranger. He was born on May 4, 1949 in Springfield, MO. He graduated from Parkview High School in 1967 and was a part of the Jolly Green Giants state winning basketball team. He then attended Drury College where he played basketball. In 1972, he met his wife, Barbara Swearingen Bollinger. The two were married that year and stayed in Springfield where Tom worked as a manager at O'Reilly Auto Parts before moving up to corporate. In 1977, they had a daughter Becky and in 1980 a son named Geoff. In 1990, he moved with his family to Blue Springs, MO for a promotion with O'Reilly Auto Parts. He worked for them until he retired in 2011. He loved working for O'Reilly's and especially enjoyed all the friendships that he built with his customers and his salesmen through the years. Outside of all of this, he enjoyed coaching Geoff's little league basketball and soccer teams. He was so much more than a coach to those young boys, but a mentor. There were always basketball games being played on the driveway at his house with all the neighborhood kids as he shared his coaching tips. He never missed any of Becky's events either whether it was Girl Scout's, where he would sing and dance, to being at all her dance performances, where he would cheer the loudest. He was a very proud dad and an even prouder Papa as he supported them at sports and dance events through the years too. Everyone knew whose Papa that was. Being married to Barb was everything to him. They were there for each other and the epitome of the true American family. They were happily married for 42 years before Barb passed in 2015. He was more than ready to be reunited with her in heaven. He is survived by; his mother, Donna Bollinger of Springfield, MO; daughter, Becky Gempeler and husband Chris; son, Geoff Bollinger and wife Frannie; grandchildren, Ava Bollinger, Bella Bollinger, Gabbie Gempeler, and Gino Bollinger. A dog lover by nature he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Cremation is planned with a memorial gathering to be held from 3-5:00 p.m., Friday, April 30, 2021 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Donations can be made in his name to Blue Springs School District Special Olympics. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)