Thomas Andrew Byrnes

Tom Byrnes, 85, of Overland Park, passed away May 5, 2012 at The Sweet Life at Grand Court. Tom was born March 6, 1927 in St. Marys, Kansas. He spent his childhood in St. Marys before moving to Parson, Kansas, and then to Kansas City, Missouri. Tom enlisted in the Navy during WWII, where he achieved the rank of Seaman First Class. He married Dixie Payne in 1949 in Higginsville, Missouri. Tom worked in the Transportation Industry and later in life he owned and operated Byrnes Home Improvement. He was a Volunteer Firefighter for the Elmhurst and Overland Park Fire Department's for 27 years. Tom was active in The Boy Scouts of America at an early age and became the Scoutmaster for Queen of the Holy Rosary, Troop 295. Additionally he was a 4th degree knight for The Knights of Columbus. Tom was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed hunting trips throughout Kansas and enjoyed fishing, especially at Jim's Caviar Camp in Sioux Narrows, OT. He was also an accomplished bowler that bowled with numerous teams and leagues throughout the Metropolitan area. Tom and his wife were one of the original members of the Holy Cross Bridge Club. He also enjoyed playing poker with friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his spouse Dixie of 52 years, his parents, Ed and Marie Byrnes. He is survived by his two sons and family. Terry, Tama, Tyler, and Corey Byrnes of Overland Park, Tim, Leslie, Brenton, and Shelby Byrnes of Lenexa. He is also survived by a brother Robert E Byrnes Sr. of Garnett, KS and a sister Sue Jasperse of Prairie Village, KS, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and many devoted friends.

Visitation services with a Rosary will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park, KS on Thursday, May 10, 2012 from 9-11 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Inurnment will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Overland Park Fire Department Benevolent Association, Attn. Elijah Thompson, 12401 Hemlock Overland Park, Kansas 66213, or ISC Hospice, 5401 College Blvd., Suite 112, Overland Park, KS 66211. Tom always said, "He never met a stranger, just a friend he hadn't made yet". He will be greatly missed.