Thomas Manuel Serrano

Tom was the sixth of nine children born to Paul and Josephine (Lopez) Serrano. Born and raised in Kansas City, KS, he graduated from the Cathedral of St. Peter Grade School in 1968 and Bishop Ward High School in 1972. Tom met the love of his life at Ward. On May 31, 1974, he married fellow Cyclone, Kathryn Harris and they were blessed with 50 years together. Tom attended Kansas State University and was an avid Wildcat fan.

Tom spent the bulk of his career at Kansas City Power & Light and was able to retire after bringing joy, laughter, and smiles to those blessed to cross his path.

Tom and Kathy were blessed with three incredible children, Teresa, Thomas Jr, and Joseph. The Serrano’s raised their children in KCK and all three share their father’s alma maters.

Tom was a devout Catholic and a very active parishioner at the Cathedral. He and Kathy were Marriage Prep Leaders, Lectors, and Eucharistic Ministers. Tom built the Christmas stable for church and a large cross for the Easter Season. He was involved in the Parish Dinner Theatre Productions and brought the house down with an unforgettable rendition of Mule Train.

More than just a dad, he coached soccer, baseball, basketball, and football. He also helped build sets for theatre productions at St. Peter’s and Bishop Ward. He never missed a game, concert, or show. He filmed football games for Ward and worked the annual auction for many years. Tom loved his camera and has left us with a plethora of pictures. Whether from games, shows, family get-togethers or the adventurous vacations he planned. He wanted all the memories to last!

In 1998 Tom was nominated by his son, Joseph, in an essay contest and was named the National Center for Fathering and Kansas City Royals Father of the Year. An award he truly deserved and was immensely proud of.

Tom has seven incredible grandchildren who were the highlight of his life from the moment they were born. Poppy enjoyed watching their concerts, stage shows, and sporting events; if he couldn’t be there, he was grateful for streaming services. He loved spending time with his family at “the Lake”, one of his favorite places. He taught the kids to swim, fish, filet and fry. They all have great memories of Poppy, especially at the lake. Tom’s sense of adventure continued as he took his grandchildren on vacations across the country. Passing along this love of travel to a third generation.

Tom took on the role of Santa Claus for many years at Serrano and Harris Family Christmas parties, KCP&L, and KCK schools, including Mark Twain. He loved to bring smiles to anyone he was with.

Tom was a great cook and grill master. He enjoyed a good meal, and his favorite snack was popcorn.

After a good life, full of love and family, Tom died of respiratory failure after an 8 year battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Left to mourn him are his wife Kathryn, daughter Teresa (John) Porterfield, sons Thomas Jr. and Joseph, grandchildren Elizabeth “Liddy” Porterfield, Maria “Mia” Serrano, John “Jack” Porterfield, Thomas Serrano, III, Nicholas Serrano, Samuel Porterfield and Paul Serrano, III, sisters Joella Young, Pauline (Ken) Carpio, Mary Serrano (Mary Riddell) sister-in-law Lynne Serrano and brother Raymond Serrano. He also leaves his Harris family, sisters-in-law Judy (Lance) Hill and Mary Ann (Chris) Heaney , brothers-in-law Mark (Margie), Mike (Elaine), Roy (Bev), Eddie (Deanna), John, Paul, and Patrick. Tom has 27 nieces & nephews, 48 great nieces & nephews and 3 great nephews. His aunts, Josie, Marie, and Connie, many cousins, other family members, including the McGurns, and a multitude of friends will also miss him dearly.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, Paul & Josephine Serrano, sister Ramona Lou, brothers, Anthony, Paul Jr, & James, daughter-in-law Jennifer Serrano, brothers-in-law Jim Young and James Lowrey, sister-in-law Becky Serrano and many extended family members who greeted him in heaven.

Tom’s family thanks Father Scott Wallisch for spiritual guidance and sacraments in the recent months. Tom was a current parishioner of St Joseph Church in Shawnee. We also recognize with thanks the incredible staff of unit 63 at KUMC, the KU Pulmonary and Hepatology Teams and the Palliative Care Dept. and the compassionate staff at Olathe Hospice.

To honor Tom, please consider donating to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/PFFTribute/ThomasSerrano or text PFFTribute1686 to 71777

A Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 pm on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Chapel Hill – Butler Funeral Home, 701 N 94th St, Kansas City, KS. Rosary will be prayed at 4 pm.

Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10 am on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, 416 N 14th St, Kansas City, KS.

“Death is nothing else but going home to God, the bond of love will be unbroken for all eternity”. Mother Teresa

Serving as pallbearers are Liddy Porterfield, Jack Porterfield, Sam Porterfield, Mia Serrano, Thomas Serrano, Nick Serrano and Pauly Serrano.