Mr. Thomas Horne

Thomas D. Horne, 67, was born November 22, 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri to Thomas J. and Jesse Mae Horne. He departed this life on Monday, September 4, 2023 at his home. He was preceded in his homegoing by his father, Thomas J. Horne Jr., two sisters: Sandra Jean Horne and Wanda Lee Brown, and a sister-in-law: Vivian Horne, all of Tulsa, OK.

Thomas attended Dunbar Elementary School from Kindergarten to seventh grade. He attended Central Junior High School for eighth grade and completed his high school years at East High, where he was an awesome drummer in the marching band. He went on to Penn Valley College where he decided that was not for him.

During his young adult years Thomas led a band, “Sweet N Sticky”. The band was one of the best in the city. He was one of the lead singers and sometimes played the drums. If you knew Thomas he tried his hand at a few other instruments that didn’t quite make it to band status.

Thomas was a sergeant in the US Air Force Reserves. While in the reserves he worked at NAPA Auto Parts Store, where he delivered auto parts to businesses around the city. He thought about it for a while and realized he wanted to start and run his own tire business. He got with His Uncle Jay and Auto Stop Shoppe became a reality.

Thomas was an amazing business owner. He was an equal opportunities employer and people person who loved his customers and employees. Auto Stop Shoppe has been in business for 43 years and still going strong with the help of his right-hand man, Mike Moore. His customers loved his no nonsense business attitude along with his extra special customer service. He didn’t mind giving a helping hand or financial grace to those in need and he valued integrity. Auto Stop Shoppe was recognized as the #1 Tire Shop of Kansas City this year of 2023 on the Kansas City Star’s KC Favorites List.

Thomas was introduced to Christ and baptized at an early age at Bowers Memorial CME Church. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and knew without a doubt that he would someday spend eternity with Him. He always acknowledged when he felt God showed up in a situation.

Thomas met the love of his life, Deborah E. Cozart, in high school. They dated throughout high school, Deborah’s college years and married August 11, 1979. During these 44 years of marriage, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Jessica Yvonne Horne and two adorable grandchildren, Jelani Micah and Rylee Jaliece. The love that he had for his grandchildren was indescribable and vice versa. Altogether Thomas and Deborah have been together for over fifty years. Thomas was also very serious about taking care of and protecting his family, including his mother and sister.

He was an active member of the Zodiac motorcycle club, which he held several offices and enjoyed traveling and attending events with his fellow members.

Thomas’ bubbly personality, humor and energy will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He never met a stranger and could out talk the best of them. He was not afraid of working hard and was always up for a challenge.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife: Deborah E. Horne, daughter: Jessica Y. Horne, two grandchildren: Jelani Horne-Martin, Rylee Horne-Martin, Mother: Jesse M. Horne, sister: Deborah Stringfield (Art), Donna Ratliff of Tulsa, OK., brothers: Lorenzo Horne of Tulsa OK, Albert Horne (Jacque) of Burleson, TX., bonus daughters: Vickie Smith and Bernice Cozart, aunt: Wanda J. Brown, 2 God daughters: Daina and Danielle Nelson, a host of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, special cousins, many other relatives, friends and the traveling Tire Pros Crew.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, September 15, 2023, 11am at St. James UMC. Interment forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will from 10am-11am at the church. Services conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.