of Yellville, AR
July 1, 1968 - April 4, 2025
Michael ''Tom'' Booher Getchel, aged 56, of Yellville, Arkansas, passed away on April 4, 2025, in Harrison, Arkansas.
Tom was born on July 1, 1968, in Okinawa, Japan, to Mary Jane Booher and Clyde Thomas Getchel. He moved to Yellville approximately five years ago from Lafayette, Indiana, shortly after the birth of his granddaughter Aurora in March of 2020.
He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1986 to 1989, stationed in Europe as a communications specialist.
For over 25 years, Tom was an active participant in the Fort Ouiatenon reenactment community. Each fall, he and his family would dress in period attire, cook over open fires, and teach tomahawk throwing at the tomahawk line, where participants could pay a small fee for three throws at wooden targets. He also crafted and sold period-appropriate wooden furniture-including bookshelves, rustic benches, folding tables, candle lanterns, and wagons-at events like the Feast of the Hunters Moon. Tom often led tomahawk competitions, serving as both judge and scorekeeper.
On June 22, 2007, Tom married his beloved wife, Tila Marshall-Getchel, after dating since 2004. He was a devoted and providing husband and father.
Tom had a passion for motorcycles and shared many cross-country adventures with his brothers, including trips through Florida, California, and Georgia. In the early 2000s, he also played competitive darts as a member of a darts team.
Known for his gift of gab, Tom never met a stranger and was well-liked by all who knew him. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy-his sun, moon, and stars. Upon Aurora's birth, he often reflected that his grandchildren were his legacy.
Tom is survived by his mother, Mary Jane Booher; his father, Clyde Thomas Getchel and his stepmother, Connie Getchel; his loving wife, Tila Marshall-Getchel; his sons, Dakota (Madison) of Lafayette, IN, Joshua (Jamie) Marshall of Yellville, AR, and Zachary (Amanda) Marshall of Lafayette, IN; his daughters, Ciarra Hall of Yellville, AR, Rachel Marshall of Yellville, AR, and Emily (Kaleb) Null of Lafayette, IN; his brothers, Gary ''Randy'' (Libby) Getchel of Tennessee and Alonzo ''Lon'' Getchel; his sister, Amanda (Heather) Getchel of Lafayette, IN; 15 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild, with another expected in August.
Visitation will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, April 10, 2025, with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 PM, at the Roller-Burns Funeral Home Chapel in Yellville, Arkansas.
In lieu of cut flowers, the family kindly requests that plants be sent instead, in honor of Tom's love for nature and things that grow.
Services are in the care of Roller-Burns Funeral Home in Yellville, Arkansas.
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14 Condolence(s)
Jeff and Tammy Piotrowski
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Ciara and family, we are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. He was a good man and a good friend. Until reading this obituary I never really knew how great of a guy he really was, and all that he did for our country and our community. He will be missed. Ciara, if there’s anything we can do to help let us know ok. Prayers for all your family.
Eric Miller
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss. Tom was a part of our little group growing up. We did a lot of questionable things growing up and I'm surprised we all made it sometimes. While we didn't see each other much after high school, whenever we did run into each other I always enjoyed catching up with him. l will miss him even more now.
Tammy Wrightsman
Monday, April 7, 2025
Tom you will be dearly missed by many especially by your best friend, Dennis. Tila, my heart goes out to you.
Rose Rigdon
Monday, April 7, 2025
My thoughts & prayers are with you & the family during this difficult time Tila..may you find peace knowing he will always be watching over you
Bridget
Monday, April 7, 2025
He truly seems like a wonderful man. I'm sorry you didn't get more time with him, but one day you will be together again. I'm praying for you all my sweet friend. Love you, Bridget.
Rochelle Ward
Monday, April 7, 2025
My heart hurts knowing all too well the journey you are on just having lost my John only 6 months ago. I pray for you to find peace in this storm. One thing I have learned it is ok to not be ok. Give yourself grace and room to grieve this man who loved you so well. I'm so so sorry for you and your family.
Nancy Foster Alley
Monday, April 7, 2025
My deepest condolences and God's grace to you and your family. Tom is one heck of a guy, had a blast growing up and in school. He most definitely loves his family and life partner, wife Tila. Rest easy Tom, your kids will handle it from here....
Nicholas Yoakum
Monday, April 7, 2025
Tom will forever be a friend a father and a teacher to me. He has been there for me when I needed him an even when I didnt. The things this man knew an the ideas that we would bat around in fun conversations on past an future will be the lessons an way I remember him. The smiles laughter an even sadness we shared will be with me forever it means the world to me when he an Tila welcomed me into the family an I will always count myself as part of the clan.
Love you all always Nick
The Faber Family (Adava and Ethan)
Monday, April 7, 2025
Praying for you and the rest of the family as you navigate through this. May the Lord be with you all and hold you in his arms of perfect comfort and peace.
Kim melvin
Monday, April 7, 2025
My condolences, so sorry for everyone's lose.. i meet him a few times was a great guy.
Lynlee Brooke
Monday, April 7, 2025
I will miss him very much. I always looked forward to seeing him at family gatherings. I wish your family comfort in this difficult time.
Ashley Stanfield
Monday, April 7, 2025
Tom how this is very heavy on my heart every year at feast I would always find time to come say hello for the big open armed hug. I would always tell you sorry for my younger years and giving you a run for your money. I will never forget the big smile on your face when you were finally able To meet both my kiddos! Thank you for showing me love!! I will miss you as now and always thinking of you~ Ashley
Beth Wrightsman
Monday, April 7, 2025
Tom we will miss you, so sorry to the family
Michelle Ryan
Monday, April 7, 2025
So sorry for Tila and family for your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers