Thomas "Tom" E. Hayles

Thomas “Tom” E. Hayles, 73, of Kansas City, MO, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 14, 2025, surrounded by his family at Tiffany Springs Senior Living Community. He was born on November 26, 1951, in Hannibal, MO, to Lonnie and Vivian (Thomas) Hayles.

Tom married his high school sweetheart, Janis Porter, on June 23, 1973, at Linden Baptist Church in Gladstone, MO. Together, they had three children. Tom truly embodied the definition of a “family man,” rarely missing an opportunity to attend his children’s games and activities or to help them with anything they needed.

In his early adult years, Tom worked as a draftsman at Hesse, designing commercial trailers. He later began a successful 30-year career as a Sprinkler Fitter with Sprinkler Fitters Local 314. Tom was a deacon and an active member at Linden Baptist Church for most of his life. In retirement, Tom remained dedicated to his family, often caring for his aging parents and young grandchildren while continuing his role as a supportive and loving dad. He had a talent for fixing things and was always willing to help with household repairs, demonstrating an ability to repair almost anything.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janis; both of his parents; and his brother, Chuckie Hayles. He is survived by his three children: Jason Hayles (Nicole) of Lenexa KS; Tracy Hubbard (Roger) of Smithville, MO; and Scott Hayles (Alyssa) of Kansas City, MO; twelve grandchildren: Jason’s children: Maya and Paige; Tracy’s children: Miles, Mason, and Sophia; Scott’s children: Vivian, Rebekah, Andrew, and Alexander; three step-grandchildren: Tracy’s step-children: Alexandra, Jordan, and Jack; six step-great grandchildren: Tracy’s step-grandchildren: Andy, Everett, Reid, Nola, Hudson, and Ellis; one brother: Don Hayles (Ann) of Raymore, MO; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at White Chapel Funeral Home in Gladstone, MO. A Memorial Service will commence at 2:00 p.m. with a brief Committal Service for both Tom and Janis immediately following at White Chapel Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, where Tom was a study participant.