Body of Mid-Missouri native returned home

The body of an Eldon native is returning to Mid-Missouri on Tuesday after he was killed in Alaska.

Thomas Madole, 54, died last Tuesday in Manokotak, Alaska, where he served as a public safety officer.

Earlier Tuesday afternoon, the family drove to Kansas City, where his body was flown in from Alaska. Madole’s wife lives in Osage Beach. The highway patrol, Eldon police and Miller County deputies are escorting the procession to Phillips Funeral Home in Eldon.

The Alaska Dispatch newspaper reports Madole was shot after responding to reports of a suicidal man. The suspect, Leroy Dick, was arrested. He admitted to the slaying in front of a judge during his arraignment and to a local radio station.

Madole is a former minister who the newspaper says went to Alaska 13 years ago. He overcame a battle with cancer and then in 2010 became a village public safety officer. The position did not allow him to carry a weapon.

Visitation is Friday at Phillips Funeral Home from 6-9 p.m. His funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday at the Assembly of God Church in Barnett.