Vern Thomas Dolph (Tom) passed away at the Mosiac Hospital in St. Joseph, MO, on September 8, 2025. Tom, 88 years old, was born on December 6, 1936, in Burlington Jct., MO, and spent his early life in Skidmore Mo. He was the son of Dorothy Surplus and Bert Dolph.
Tom was a 1954 graduate of Maryville High School where he excelled in all sports. After graduation he attended NWMSU for one year before entering the United States Air force. He was stationed in Biloxi, MS, Ardmore, OK, and Okinawa.
Tom was united in marriage to Kathleen A. Tobin on October 28, 1955, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Tom completed his education at NWMSU in 1960 with a BS in Industrial Arts and Physical Education. He later went on to complete both a Master’s and Specialist Degree in Education as well.
Tom began his teaching career in South Nodaway High School, Barnard, MO, in 1960 and then spent twenty-six years as coach, guidance counselor and instructor at West Nodaway High School, Burlington Jct., MO. After a brief retirement, he returned to teaching at South Page High School in College Springs, IA, and then started a new career working at the prison in Maryville, MO, for several years.
He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, Don Branham, daughter, Debra Reed, son, Ronald Dolph, grandson, Derrick Dolph, brothers, Allen, Raymond and Gary, sister, Loretta, and sister-in-law, Linda, as well as his parents-in-law, Ed and Nora Tobin.
Survivors are his wife of 70 years, Kathleen, daughters, Janet Dolph (Monte Carpenter) and Tracey Zimmerman, son-in-law Vernon Reed, grandchildren, Ashley Reed, Bryce and Cheznee Dolph, Justin (Lindsey) and Jake Jenson, Kirk and Zachary (Samantha) Zimmerman, several great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Ann Dolph, Theresa Hackett, Dusene Tobin, Kathy Tobin, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Tom will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, papa and educator. He was well-known for his antique trunk refinishing and all his collections. He will be greatly missed.
Mass of Christian Burial 11:00am Monday, September 15th at St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church. Burial St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Maryville. Rosary 5:00pm Sunday, September 14th at St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church. The family will receive friends following the rosary until 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church.
