Thomas Wilson Napier, age 92, was born in Taylorsville, Kentucky on October 21, 1924 to Thomas and Beulah Napier. He entered Heaven’s gate on Friday evening, June 2, 2017. His firm belief in God supported him through his illness and ultimately gave him peace. Tom was a founding member and deacon emeritus of Elizabethtown Baptist Church. After retiring from his 35 year career with NAPA Auto Parts, he volunteered with Baptist Builders, both locally and with mission trips to Oneida, Kentucky, Moscow, Russia and Honduras. His young years had him helping on the family farm in Taylorsville, Kentucky with his siblings Neal, Ed, Marie and Ruth, and later serving his country with the United States Navy in World War II on the USS Norton Sound. After his return from the war and the start of his family, he enjoyed serving as Grand Master of the Philip Swigert Masonic Lodge #218 of Fishersville and participating with The Shriners . He was also a card carrying member of the Towne Mall Walkers. He loved life and never shied away from a good practical joke. Tom is survived by his wife of 16 years, Mable Nall Napier, and his three children, Thomas Drake Napier (Shala), Vicki Schmidt (Larry) and Donna Pence (David). He has eight grandchildren who lovingly call him “Poppy”—Cory Pence (April), Kyle Pence, Blake Schmidt (Susan), Jessica Napier (Lee Lankford), Kendrick Ammons (Rue), Craig Schmidt (Sharon), Travis Napier (Karli), and Graham Schmidt. He is survived by one sister, Ruth Napier of Colorado Springs, Colorado, with whom he enjoyed many phone conversations. He is also survived by special friends Shiela Freeman, Vickie Givan, Jenny Gunzburg and Pat Tinsley. Tom was fortunate to have his wife Mable’s children as his family also, Edith Bewley (Don), Theda Meredith (Jody), Debby Lunsford (Bill) and Tommy Padgett (Cheryl). He was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Verna Markwell Napier, two brothers, Neal Napier and Ed Napier, and one sister, Marie Kearney O’Neal. Poppy will be forever remembered by his great-grandchildren, Coleman, Madeline, Hudson, Markwell, Mason, Mckenzie, Griffin, Owen, Branham, Drake and Noah. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 6, at Brown Funeral Home from 5 to 8 pm. The funeral will be on Wednesday morning at 11 am at Elizabethtown Baptist Church, with visitation beginning at 10am at the church. Burial will follow at Elizabethtown Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts would be appreciated by Hosparus of Central Kentucky or Elizabethtown Baptist Church. Condolences may be expressed online at www.brownfuneral.com.

Visitation:

Tuesday, June 6, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Brown Funeral Home

Wednesday, June 7, 2017 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
E'town Baptist Church

Service:

Wednesday, June 7, 2017 starting at 11:00 AM
E'town Baptist Church