Tommy Lynn Aden

Tommy “Tom” L. Aden, age 85, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on January 12, 1941, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Chester P. Aden and Norma L. Holland Aden. On August 19, 1962, Tom married the love of his life, Opal Hillis, in Poplar Bluff, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned more than 63 years.

Tom was a graduate of Poplar Bluff High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. He began his teaching career in 1967 in House Springs, Missouri, later teaching in the Florissant School District in St. Louis. In 1983, Tom and his family made Cape Girardeau their home. He spent many years working as a sales representative for St. Louis Paint Manufacturing Company, and after retiring, he continued to serve others through substitute teaching in the local area.

A man of strong faith, Tom was a faithful member of Lynwood Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, and choir member. He found great joy in genealogy, singing, listening to music, and artwork, interests that reflected his curiosity, creativity, and love for history and beauty.

Those who will cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Opal Aden; sons, Byron (Dana) Aden of Cape Girardeau and Bruce (Nikki) Aden of De Soto, Missouri; grandchildren, Brandi (Cecil) Ray, Justin Aden, Jessi Ladner, Victoria Restituyo, Michael Aden, Jordyn (Tyler) Ruble, Emily (Jon) Ledee, Payton (Alex) Foeller, and Noah Craig; great-grandchildren, Christopher (Alexa) Ray, Toby Ray, Audrey Ray, Rylee Palmer, Jeric Aden, Aurora Aden, Avalon Aden, Remy Restituyo, Luna Restituyo, Nora Ruble, Violet Ruble, Liberty Foeller, Joanna Foeller, and Ezekiel Foeller; and great-great-grandchildren, Lainey and Graceyn Ray.

Tom was preceded in death by his daughter, Anita Louise Zimmerman; his parents; and his sisters, Diana Sue Kirkpatrick and Sharon Eileen Kienlen.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Lynwood Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau, and again on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

The funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church, with Rev. Nick Dixon officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to Lynwood Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com and selecting the guestbook beneath Tom’s obituary.

Arrangements are under the direction of McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.