Tom J. Kirgin Sr.

Tom J. Kirgin, Sr. of Lake Sherwood , MO, passed away Monday, November 18, 2024 at the age of 82. Beloved husband of Marilyn Kirgin; cherished son of the late Oliver and June Kirgin; beloved son in law to the late Ruth Adolphson; devoted father of Thomas “T.J.” Kirgin, Jr.; proud father in law of his “favorite daughter in law Angela Kirgin”; loving grandfather of Ashlyn Kirgin, Thomas Kirgin III, and the late Gwenyth Kirgin; dear brother-in-law of the late Judith Osborne and radio personality Bob Osborne; treasured uncle of Mary and Carol. 

As the song produced by Bob Hyland for KMOX Sales Team in the 80’s called “The CBS Rap” said: “Tom played guitar by hand and was known throughout the land!” 

Tom proudly served CBS KMOX Radio for over 20 years as a well respected advertising sales executive, after playing guitar for “The Renegades” as a young man at venues all over the bi state area. Tom even played backup for Tina Turner once! 

While working at KMOX, Tom spent his spare time doing what he loved, boating on the Mississippi river, Alton Pool and Dardenne Slough area where he launched the yacht sales business Anchor Marine LTD and eventually founded Anchor Marina at mile marker 221.5 in St. Charles County (now Port Charles) 

After retiring from KMOX, Tom founded the Saint Charles based Advertising Agency; Anchor Communications, Inc which he later sold to his son TJ. 

Tom proudly served as a Captain in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Tom and Marilyn frequented and eventually moved to Stuart, Florida, which became a second home and a place of many fond memories. There he began his second career as a 100 Ton Licensed Master Captain and performed yacht deliveries up and down the East Coast. Tom found joy in deep-sea fishing with his son and friends. 

More recently, Tom gave up the full time Florida sun and his passion for boating trading it for adventure in an RV with his beloved wife and best friend Marylin. They traveled the country together with his loyal dog “Lucky” by his side where Tom spread his wit and charm from state to state. Most recently Tom enjoyed camping in his RV on a riverfront pad at the same marina he founded all those years ago. 

Tom was known by his grandchildren lovingly as “The Crab” and he called them his “Shrimp” 

Tom’s legacy of creativity, adventure, marketing acumen and love for life will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of sharing in his journey. 

Memorials may be made in Tom's name to Stray Rescue Animal Shelter in St. Louis or Captains for Clean Water in Florida.