Thomas Christopher Billionis

Thomas Christopher Billionis

Thomas Christopher Billionis, 44, passed away unexpectedly in Springfield, Mo., on April 16, 2016. Tom was born in Aurora, Colo., on June 21, 1971.

Tom graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1989 and Pittsburg State University in 1994. He played football at Pitt State throughout his college career. Tom married his true love, Michelle Lix, on July 27, 1996, in Pittsburg Kan. Tom was a Fellowship of Christian Athletics Regional Director in Cody, Wyo., from 1996 to 2002. Tom continued to work for FCA in Boise, Idaho, in 2002, and in Tucson, Ariz., from 2003 to 2007. Tom moved to Springfield, Mo., in 2007, and opened his dream business, The Coffee Ethic. Late in 2015, Tom became co-owner of Cherry Picker Package x Fare.

In addition to his beautiful wife, Michelle, Tom leaves behind his three beloved daughters, Marin, Grace, and Amelia of the home. He is also survived by his parents, Gary and Connie Billionis of Fort Scott, Kan., and Jim and Cindy Jones of Wichita, Kan.; his two brothers, Matt Simpson and wife Spring, of Overland Park, Kan., and Nick Billionis of Florence, Colo.; and his grandfather, Robert Billionis, of Pittsburg, Kan. He is also survived by his mother and father-in-law, Susan and Marvin Lix of Nashville, Tenn. Other family members include aunts, uncles, and cousins. Tom had a vast number of devoted and caring friends who also survive. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Waynith Billionis, Al and Pauline Bracken, and Wayne and Bonnie Meek.

Tom Billionis had a tremendous passion for life on this earth. He loved sharing his coffee expertise with everyone. If you didn't know much about coffee, that was O.K., he'd teach you. He loved his friends and cared deeply for them. If you knew Tom, you truly knew friendship. His greatest blessing in life was his family. He was an encourager, a teacher, and a role model. Tom led his family and friends by example.

Funeral services are planned for Friday, April 22, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Park Central Square in downtown Springfield. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kan., at 3:00 p.m.

A Tom Billionis Memorial Fund has been set up on plumfund.com. Funeral services are under the care of the Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole Street, Springfield, MO 65804, (417) 886-9994.