Thomas Monroe Counts was born on December 12, 1947, in Winona, Missouri, to Charlie and Janie (Chronister) Counts. He departed this life on January 17, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones, at the age of 78.

Monroe was united in marriage to Brenda Hill on September 16, 1967. To this union, they raised three beautiful children, Steve, Mandy, and Billy.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Janie Counts; his brothers, Johnnie, Dewey, Harvey, and Willie Counts, and David "Porky" Hamm; and his sisters, Christine Honeycutt, Francis Bland, and Minnie Mayberry.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda; children Steve (Marissa) Counts, Mandy (Wayne) Thomason, and William "Billy" Counts; grandchildren, Logan (Sara) Bales, Pinny (Matt) Gowen, Parker Counts, Coral Counts, Alan Atchison, Lauren (Michael) Gaddy, and special granddaughter, Terra Denton; great-grandchildren, Sylas, Sydni, Slade, Jaedyn, Kinslee, Crimson, Harlow, Layne, Ryker, Carston, Kylin, and Wyatt; two sisters, Kathy (Roy) Bettis and Betty (Frank) Simpson; and many more family and friends.

Monroe was a friendly man who never met a stranger. He first started working at a gas station at the age of 14 and always dreamed of opening his own, which he did in 1976. If he wasn't at the station, you could find him on a jeep ride hunting mushrooms with his family. If you ever stopped by the station to talk to Monroe, you would know it wasn't just a job to him. His love for Jesus, his family, and his station was admirable. You could stop by the station to get a tire changed and end up at church by the end of it. Monroe always said, "Everything will be alright, my Lord will take care of me." He lived by that and preached the word of the Lord to anyone who would listen.

Monroe will be remembered as a man who loved. He lived life with a servant's heart and would offer the shirt off his back to help someone in need. He will be missed dearly by so many as he rejoices with the Lord.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Yarber Mortuary, Winona, Missouri, with Bro. Darrell Jones officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., also at the chapel. Interment will be in Pine Lawn Cemetery, Winona. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.