Thomas Franklin Cartmell

Thomas Franklin Cartmell, 73, of Wentworth passed away on Thursday May 5, 2022 at Landmark Hospital in Joplin. He was born April 10, 1949 in Kansas City to William “Cart” and Audrey (Wiley) Cartmell, who preceded him in death.
He spent most of his childhood living in Kansas City before his parents moved to Eagle Rock where he graduated from Cassville High School in 1967. After high school, he served two years in the United States Navy before returning to Missouri to pursue his musical career. On Oct. 16, 1971, Cartmell married Rita Gripka at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pierce City, who survives of the home.
Cartmell traveled the country as a professional musician for many years serving as a drummer and backup vocalist for a variety of rock and country artists and bands. One of his proudest moments as a musician was opening for country music legend Ray Price. Later, he owned and operated C&H Lawn and Landscape with his son Justin and friend Gary Hill. He took great pride in providing great customer service to their many residential and commercial clients throughout the 4-states. He was a proud member of New Site Baptist Church in Monett and enjoyed being the percussionist for music played before and during church services until his health no longer allowed him to do so.
In addition to his wife Rita, he is survived by daughters Chrishna Paul of Wentworth, Destiny Campbell (Mick) of Jefferson City, and son Justin Cartmell (Liz) of Wentworth;  six grandchildren; along with many sister in-laws, brother in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends from both his musician days and from his church.
Memorial services with full military honors will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2022 at New Site Baptist Church in Monett. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. prior to the service. In his memory the family has directed memorial contributions to New Site Baptist Church in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be sent to our website, www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie.