Thomas E. Portell, 79, of De Soto died Aug. 18, 2024, at Hillcrest Care Center. Mr. Portell attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic grade school and was a member of the first graduating class of St. Pius X High School in 1963. He retired after 37 years of employment with Ben H. Franklen Construction in June of 2004. He was a member of Laborers’ International Union of North American Local 110 and had received a certificate of achievement for 55 years of service with both the local and international union. In his younger years, he loved racing his 1963 Chevy Impala SS down Hwy. 21 from NN section to Amvets Drive. He also loved his Camaros. He developed a love for bowling and participated in leagues at Quonset Lanes. Later in life, he enjoyed becoming a farmer raising cattle and hay. Eventually, he had the opportunity to travel in his RV After traveling the U.S., he became a resident of the state of Texas living in Alamo. His greatest enjoyment though was his family, especially his grandsons. Born Jan. 14, 1945, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Homer and Mary Theresa (Bourisaw) Portell.
He is survived by his wife: Ann (Ridenour) Portell whom he married on Nov. 28, 1970, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church; three children: Amy (Jeff) Coomes of De Soto, Aaron (Heather) Portell of Hillsboro and Amanda (Liz) Portell of Troy; four grandchildren: Dalton Coomes, Austin Coomes, Tristan Jacobson and Logan Jacobson; a sister: Barbara Ann (Robert) Mottin of Chesterfield; several cousins including a special cousin: Bud Portell; a lifelong friend: Gerry Fink; remaining special friends: Butch Hubbard, Randy Compton and Mike Christopher; his pet of 14 years: Callie; and many other family members and friends.
The family would like to thank Preferred Hospice for their care.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main, in De Soto. Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 504 S. Third St., in De Soto. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in De Soto. Memorials may be made to Compass Health Network. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.