Louis Tokar Jr., 65, of Mexico, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Pickering Funeral Home.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the service time at the funeral home.

Graveside will be on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. at Deerlick Cemetery in Waynesville, Missouri.

Louis was born on July 20, 1960 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Louis Tokar Sr. & Nora Doreen (Vandergriff) Tokar.  In 1985 he married Regina Jones who preceded him in death on September 9, 1994.

Louie was a truly down-to-earth man who found his greatest joy in the simple beauty of life. He loved being outdoors no matter the season whether he was casting a line while fishing, taking long peaceful walks, tending carefully to his flower beds at home, pointing out constellations scattered across the night sky, or simply standing still to breathe in the fresh air. Nature was where he felt most at home.

He also cherished quiet moments of creativity. With a guitar in his hands, he could fill a room with warmth and song. In his workshop, he crafted wooden art with patience and care, shaping each piece with the same steady hands and thoughtful heart he brought to everything he did.

Above all, Louis loved his family more than anything. He was a gentle and devoted father, offering his children steady guidance, endless patience, and constant encouragement. He was always ready to crack a joke or share a playful comment, finding joy in making others laugh and bringing smiles to every gathering. His eyes would light up at the sight of his grandchildren, always eager to share stories—about his adventures, about life, or about anything that sparked their curiosity. His love was unwavering, his presence comforting, and his legacy one of kindness, laughter, creativity, and deep devotion to those he held dear.

Survivors include his mother Nora Doreen Smith (Elwyn "Wayne" Squires) of Mexico; two daughters, Maxine Oglesby of Millersburg and Spring Kite (Shawn Hill) of Fulton; three step-children, Joseph Lacey of Columbia, Eileen Brawley (Lacey) of Williamsburg, and Regina Smith (Lacey) of Columbia; seven grandchildren, Janie Oglesby, Emma Oglesby, James Oglesby Jr., Sarah Oglesby, Liam Beuer, Vada Kite, and Randy Kite; one great grandchild, Beau Kite; and one half-brother, Sam Cooper of Centralia.

Louis was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harold and Maxine Vandergriff (Gladden); his father, Louis Tokar Sr.; twin children, Nora and Louis Tokar; one granddaughter, Kylee Kite; and one brother Jeff Tokar; and one son-in-law, James Oglesby Sr.

His family suggests live plants that can be planted in Louis's honor, which will be a fitting tribute to someone who found so much peace and happiness in the beauty of growing things.