Thomas W. Neer

Thomas Neer of Defiance, Missouri passed away early Saturday morning, March 28th at the age of 82. Beloved husband of Peggy Neer, devoted father of Thomas Scott (Cory) Neer, proud grandfather of Brandon Thomas Neer. Dear brother to Janet Neer (Bill Miller) and Kathleen (Brian Clary) Neer. Brother-in-law to Roger (Shirley) Massey and Gary (Paulette) Massey. Tom was an uncle, great uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. Tom was preceded in death by his mother Corrine (Buckner) Neer and father Sammy Neer.

Tom was a dedicated law enforcement officer of the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department for 42 years, having served 12 years as Sheriff. Tom was very accomplished; he was instrumental in the creation of both the SWAT and Bomb Squad for St. Charles County. Tom volunteered on the Rescue and Recovery Team prior to hiring on full-time in 1974. During his tenure he served on the Board of Directors for the Regional Drug Task Force, the Metro West SWAT Team, the Regional Computer Education and Enforcement Group, the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, Eastern Missouri Police Academy, and Metro Air Support. He held memberships in the FBI National Academy Associates, International Association of Bomb Technicians & Investigators, Missouri Police Chiefs Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, St. Louis Area Police Chiefs Association, Missouri Sheriff’s Association, National Sheriff’s Association, Loyal Order of Elks Lodge, Ducks Unlimited, and the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

Tom graduated from St. Charles High School and attended William Jewell College and Southeast Missouri State University. Tom proudly served in the Air National Guard for over 7 years and received an honorable discharge. He was a graduate of the FBI National Law Enforcement Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Tom received the Medal of Valor and other prestigious awards and recognitions. After his retirement he served from 2015 to 2019 on the Missouri Gaming Commission.

Tom’s love for law enforcement was balanced by his love for nature and sports; he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He always looked forward to his annual fishing and hunting trips to Canada as well as his buddies fishing extravaganzas and weekly lunches.