Tommy Dean Stamps, 50, of Kansas City, Mo., died peacefully March 17, 2011, surrounded by family and friends.

Tom was born September 22, 1960, the son of Lewis and Rose Mary (Green) Stamps and youngest brother to Lewis Wesley, Jr. (Louie) and Danny Stamps. He grew up in Northeast Kansas City, Mo., and moved to Osage, Ark., graduating from high school in Alpena, Ark., in 1978.

Tom worked as a mechanic and eventually joined his father, Lewis, to be an over-the-road trucker, traveling most of the United States. He found great joy in trucking and found a freedom that let him see the country, meet people and always be on the move.

Tom was deeply loved and is survived by his parents, Lewis and Rose Mary Stamps of Osage, Ark.; two brothers, Louie Stamps of Kansas City, Mo.; Danny Stamps and wife, Pegi of Blue Springs, Mo.; one son, Eric Dean Stamps of Fayetteville, Ark.; one daughter, Melanie Stamps of Kansas City, Mo.; one granddaughter, Ava Stamps of Gentry, Ark.; grandmother, Mary Cosentino of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; nephew, Nathan Stamps of Blue Springs, Mo.; several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather and paternal grandparents.

Visitation was held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2011, at Nelson’s Green Forest Chapel. Graveside services were at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2011, at the Liberty Cemetery with Brother Nathan Ritchie officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. A celebration of life was held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 17 at the Independence, Mo., FOP Lodge 18300 East M – 78 Highway, Independence, Mo.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com.