Thomas Maurice “Tutty” Gadson was born March 8, 1941 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the third oldest of seven siblings born to Thomas Harold Gadson and Arlethia Atchee (Hopson) Gadson. At age 18 Tutty met and married Lillian Ann Williams in this union four children were born. They were married for 22 years.
Tutty attended school through the Kansas City School District and completed his schooling at Western Baptist Seminary.
Tutty was a life-long renowned musician and self-taught guitarist who started playing at the age of 12, and later performed around the world. He also had given lessons to world famous guitarist Jimi Hendrix and influenced the dressing style of Bootsy Collins. Tutty also contributed to many well-known talents and performed with many well known’s such as Little Richard, the Coasters, James Brown, The Jackson Five, Ike & Tina Turner, and many, many more. He also contributed to the success of his brother’s career James “Gat” Gadson.
Tutty Gadson was preceded in death by his father Thomas Harold Gadson, mother Arlethia Atchee Gadson, brother Thomas H. Gadson II, sisters Melba L. Scaife and Dawn C. Rush, and daughter Rita J. Gadson.
He leaves to cherish his memory, two sons and five daughters: Thomas Maurice Gadson, Jr. (Patricia) of Kansas City, MO, Eartha Byrd (Chuck) of Kansas City, MO, Gwynne E. Birzer (Michael) of Wichita, Kansas, Reginald Gadson of Kansas City, MO, Lisa M. Ellis (George) of Kansas City, MO, Jone’ T. Blount of Los Angeles, CA, and Constance Terry (Steve) of Kansas City, MO; his siblings: James E. Gadson (Barbara) of Los Angeles, CA, Robbie M. Herndon (Francis) of Kansas City, MO, Thelma H. Gadson of Los Angeles CA and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Services will be held Saturday, November 8, 2014, at Victorious Life Church, 3400 Paseo Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64109. Viewing 9:00 – 10:00. Services immediately following. Burial at Longview Memorial Gardens