Tony Allen Ziegler, age 47, son of Melvin and Diann (Drain) Ziegler was born Oct. 12, 1976, in Stuttgart, Germany. He passed away peacefully at home with his wife Christy by his side on March 6, 2024.
Tony is preceded in death by his grandparents. Tony is survived by his wife, Christy; two daughters, Bailey Ziegler and Andrew Hoover of Springfield, Mo., and Kayla and Michael Yetman of Nashville, Tenn.; parents, Melvin and Diann of Plato, Mo.; two brothers, Toby and Tracye of Springfield and Terry and Claudia of The Villages, Fla.; sister, Tammy of Plato; nephew, Aidan; and a whole host of friends and adopted family.
Tony spent his youngest years moving around the world while his father served in the Army before the whole family settled in Plato. Here, Tony really came alive on the farm. He enjoyed being outside doing various activities like hunting, walking in the woods, sledding behind the tractor and four-wheelers and even chores like cutting wood and tinkering on different projects with his dad in the shop. He enjoyed camping, floating, bonfires and sunsets. Tony developed a love for driving all kinds of vehicles, especially fast cars, becoming a truck driver at the age of 21. He was baptized on June 2, 2002.
Tony was the type of person who never met a stranger. He could brighten any room he entered and cared deeply for people. He loved sitting around with friends and family sharing stories over a nice large dessert, before eating dinner. Tony’s pride and joy is his daughter Bailey, teaching her everything he could. His face lit up just at the mention of her name. You could often catch the two of them playing pranks on each other, taking trips through the U.S., driving fast and eating dessert first. He was fast to share his pride in Bailey’s accomplishments and loved to spend every minute possible with her. Tony’s blessings continued when his wife, Christy, and her daughter, Kayla, entered his life, immediately ingratiating them into the family. Christy shared Tony’s love for traveling and the two of them crossed the U.S. seeing as many sights as they could. You would always catch them finding a new adventure. He wanted to share the beauty he had seen over the years with his new family. Tony treated Kayla as his own and was so proud when he was able to walk her down the aisle. He also enjoyed their hiking adventures, exploring waterfalls and sightseeing in various areas of Tennessee.
Tony lit up any room that he walked into. His personality and stories brightened everyone’s spirit. His caring heart made you feel important and loved, even during the bad days. Tony cherished his family, friends and all the adventures he had along the way.
A visitation for Tony was held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Evans Funeral Home. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2024, at Plato Christian Church with Rev. Erin McConnell officiating. Pallbearers were Curtis Washburn, Nathan Scott, Rex Owens, John Hamilton, Snapper Harris and Shannon Jackson. Honorary pallbearers were Jason Cook, Bob Cook and Joey Dial. Interment followed at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Evans Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.evansfh.com.
PAID