Thomas A. Martin

Dr. Tom Martin passed from this world on May 7, 2015 in Columbia, MO, and will be missed by his family, friends, and all the people he touched during his generous life. He was born on May 13, 1965 in Racine, WI, to Thomas and Sandra Martin. He is survived by his children, Lauren and Dalton Martin, his mother, Sandra Martin, all of Racine, WI, his dear companion Miranda Short of Mount Vernon, MO, as well as their entire families. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bradley Martin, and his father, Tom Martin.

Dr. Martin was known for his exceptional love for and devotion to his children. He successfully encouraged them to follow him from Wisconsin to the University of Missouri from where they both graduated. His life centered around his children Lauren and Dalton who provided him with much joy and love throughout his life. They meant the world to him. He was a dear friend to many and was recognized and appreciated as an outgoing, generous individual with a wonderful sense of humor.

Professionally, as a neuropsychologist Dr. Martin was known and highly respected for his commitment to advocating for persons with all types of disabilities. He served as President of the Missouri Brain Injury Association and initiated policies to ensure all persons with brain injuries and their families could attend conferences at no cost. During the latter part of his career he worked with the University of Missouri and high school coaches, staff, and athletes to develop guidelines to reduce the potential adverse impact of sports-related concussions. Clinically, he helped numerous individuals with brain injuries and diseases and their families across the state to return to full and productive lives.

Dr. Martin earned his undergraduate degree at Carthage College, his master’s and doctoral degrees at the Adler School of Professional Psychology, and completed his postdoctoral residency in neuropsychology at the University of Missouri. He served as Chief Psychologist at the Missouri Rehabilitation Center before assuming the positions of Director of Adult Neuropsychology and Interim Co-Chair of the University of Missouri Department of Health Psychology. He was the first Missouri psychologist to earn board certification in both Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology. He earned numerous national awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Missouri Brain Injury Association and the Early Career Service Award from the National Academy of Neuropsychology. He served on numerous committees of the American Psychological Association and National Academy of Neuropsychology, served on the editorial and reviewer boards of numerous academic journals, and published numerous scientific research articles. His family, friends, and professional colleagues have all benefitted from knowing him and will sorely miss him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave, on Thursday May 14, 2015, 12:00 p.m., with Rev. Mark Jones officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 12:00 p.m. noon.