Thomas Brinkley

Thomas Jefferson Brinkley, 83, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Mo.

He was born Wednesday, Feb. 29, 1928, in Advance, Mo., to the late Ora and Helen Parrish Brinkley.

Thomas was a corporal in the U.S. Air Force.

He was a dedicated lifetime member of Eagles Aerie 3775, Elks Lodge 639 and VFW Post 3838.

Survivors include two daughters, Nicole M. Greable (Phillip Way) of Poplar Bluff, Mo., Angie L. Brinkley of Columbia, Mo.; a stepson, Jon J. Schlegel (Sally) of Houston; a sister, Jewel Scholl of Poplar Bluff; four grandchildren, Taylor Brinkley, Brittney Greable, Breana and Brenan Way; four stepgrandchildren; and two great-grandchildren, Emaria Brinkley and one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Alice P. Brinkley; and companion of 20 years, Betty Keys.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. until service time Saturday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating. Burial will be in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Elks Lodge, 639 Elks Lane, Eagles Aerie, 321 N. Spring St., or VFW Post 3838, 1049 N. Kingshighway, all in Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.