Walter Jackson “Jack” Tough, Sr. was born February 2, 1945 in Nevada Missouri to Kenneth and Maxine Tough. He passed from this earth on Friday January 23, 2015, assisted by the caring and compassionate staff at Nixa Nursing & Rehab. He was surrounded in his last days by his children, brother, and many other family and good friends. Jack was known as fun loving and even mischievous on occasion throughout his sometimes tumultuous life. Colorful doesn’t begin to describe Jack’s life. He was a gifted dancer, singer, athlete, auctioneer, showman, and community advocate of all things El Dorado Springs. Jack was a tremendous multi-sport athlete in high school. He was recruited to play collegiate football after graduating from El Dorado Springs in 1963; instead Jack attended and graduated from Southwest Baptist University where he proudly held records for both discus and shot-put (some to this day).
Jack had two children whom he loved and took great pride in, Walter Jackson Tough, Jr. and Tevi Nicole Tough.
By trade, Jack was a realtor and auctioneer; he was also an extraordinary promoter of his community. Jack helped to rally community leaders, creating the Spring City Revitalization Group. He was passionately dedicated to revitalize his hometown. He helped create events like the Spring City Chili Cook-Off, the Ice Cream Churn and “Meet me At the Springs” Summer Concert Series in Spring Park. Jack made the Christmas Lighting Ceremony and other community events what they are today. Jack tirelessly labored in pursuit of brick and granite sidewalks, new lighting, and many other improvements to enhance downtown El Dorado Springs. Even though his efforts were cut short by a stroke and his days grew dim he continually inquired about betterment opportunities in his community.
Jack held other positions in this life; He was a Jasper County Deputy Sheriff for a time, he was also the Director of Emergency Management, protecting Cedar County. Jack was also a member of the Missouri Auctioneers Association and presided on the board of directors.
This “native son” served on countless local boards, committees & organizations including Rotary, Jaycees, Optimists and many others. Jack had been a long-time member of the Chamber of Commerce and served on the board and as past Chamber President. He was proud to receive the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year honor and recently the Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement award.
Jack loved hunting out west and around home, and cruising country roads. One of Jack’s joys was the camaraderie of hunting camp. He formed bonds with many friends over many years and locations, giving camp names only Jack could come up with…”Braden Mountain Retreat,” “Flying Squirrel” and “Grumpy Old Men” among others.
Jack also enjoyed worshipping (and especially singing) with many friends at Community Church, the Church of God (Holiness), and with his son and family at the Church of Christ.
Jack is survived by his son Jackson Tough and his granddaughters Alexis & Keili of El Dorado Springs, daughter Tevi Tough of St. Charles MO, granddaughter Simone Young-Slaughter, her husband Kyle, and great granddaughter Faven of O’ Fallon MO, brother Tom Tough, his wife Gail and daughter Sara of Nixa MO, and nephew David Tough of Nashville TN.
Because of Jack’s vision and enthusiasm for continuous community betterment, memorial contributions may be made to the Chamber of Commerce for the Highway 54 “Sidewalk to the Future” and community betterment projects in lieu of flowers.
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