Thomas S. Doerflinger
Thomas Syme Doerflinger was born on July 11, 1998 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He was the beloved son of Bryan and Carolyn Doerflinger. Thomas graduated from Fort Osage High School in 2016. He dreamed of being a police officer, and had plans to begin that career by attending the police academy later this year. To pursue his dream, he became a detention officer for the city of Independence, Missouri. He quickly became a well-liked member of the IPD family.
Thomas adored superheroes and comics, specifically Batman, going to the movies and laughing with his many friends. He was a protector to his three siblings Ashtyn, Caleb, and Ben, and loved spending time with family, going on vacations, watching football, playing basketball with his brothers, and enjoying family dinners. He was a loyal friend and had the biggest heart. He had a smile that lit up the room and was a friend to everyone. He was an avid Chief’s fan. Thomas loved Jesus, and he trusted Him and walked with Him. His family takes comfort in knowing that they will reunite with him one day. He loved his mother and father, siblings, and family. He fiercely loved his daughter, Eleanor, who was the light of his life.
On Friday, February 24, Thomas suffered an unexpected heart attack after battling an autoimmune disease for several years. Despite the resuscitation efforts of the emergency team at St. Mary’s Medical Center, he passed and entered the gates of Heaven. He loved to help other people, and even in his death he continued to help others by being an organ donor.
Thomas was preceded in death by his grandfather Thomas Syme. He is survived by his mother and father, his sister Ashtyn and her fiancé Lucas, brother Caleb, brother Benjamin, daughter Eleanor and wife Mackenzie, grandparents Elray and Ginger Doerflinger, grandmother Peggy Wanamaker, uncle and aunt John and Mary Syme, aunt Michelle Thomas, and cousins. He is mourned by his family, detention and police family, many friends, and church community.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 1st 5:00pm-7:00pm and funeral services will begin at 10:00am on Thursday, March 2nd, 2023. Both will be hosted by The Gathering Baptist Church at Plaza Heights in Blue Springs, Missouri. Interment will be at the Royer New Salem Cemetery in Independence, Missouri immediately following services on Thursday.
Obituary submitted by family
Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem, Independence, MO 816-796-8600