Thomas S. Scaman
Thomas S. Scaman, 85, of Stanton, MO, passed away Monday, August 15, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
Thomas Stuart Scaman was born on February 25, 1937 in Chicago, IL to Norman and Evelyn (Brodin) Scaman. Thomas’ family later moved to Dyer, IN where Thomas graduated from Dyer Public High School, class of 1954.
He married MaryBeth Sabo on December 31, 1955 at St. Michael Cathedral in Schererville, IN. The young couple lived in Indiana and Illinois before settling in Berwyn, Illinois with their growing family. Tom was a natural entrepreneur, so after driving a truck and delivering ice cream, he began his first business. He opened the Cookie Jar, which was a small market in Chicago on the famous Route 66.
In 1972, Tom, Mary, and their three sons moved to Stanton, MO where he founded Apollo of the Ozarks fireworks manufacturing. In the late 70’s and 80’s, Apollo of the Ozarks was the biggest class C fireworks manufacturing company in the country. At the peak of Apollo of the Ozarks, he had over 100 employees. Tom ran this business until he retired. Apollo of the Ozarks is now renamed Alright Packaging and is still a family-operated business, managed by Tom’s granddaughter, Beth. Tom loved antique cars and probably bought and sold over 150 in his lifetime. He also enjoyed drag racing, and after giving that up at the request of Mary, he was an avid NASCAR fan. Rather than RV’s and vacations, Tom and Mary loved spending time together at the casino, whether in St. Louis or trips to Las Vegas. Gambling was one of their favorite pastimes. Above all, Thomas loved his family, telling stories, laughing, and just enjoying each other’s company. Tom attended and enjoyed many “Scamanpaloozas” over the years.
Thomas is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary; two sons, Sam Scaman and wife Liz of Chanhassen, MN and Dan Scaman of Scottsdale, AZ; five grandchildren: Benjamin Castillo and wife Emily, Beth Little and husband Bill, Mary Beakley, Samantha Larson and husband Mike, Michael Scaman, and Patrick Scaman and wife Karynn; four great-grandchildren: Katie, Thea, Penny, and Rory.
He was preceded in death by two infant children and one adult son: Theresa, Thomas Michael, and Mark; his parents, Norman and Evelyn; and one brother, Bill Scaman.
A Memorial Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 20, 2022 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Sullivan.
Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m., Friday, August 19, 2022 at Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.
Memorial contributions in Thomas’ memory may be given to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: https://givenow.lls.org/give/342076/#!/donation/checkout.
Online condolences may be shared with Thomas’ family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.