Thomas M. Dubbert, 60, died unexpectedly January 26, 2023 at his home in Brookside. Tom was born on August 1, 1962, in Kansas City, MO, the youngest son of August F. Dubbert and Gertrude C. (Knipp) Dubbert and brother to Timothy X. Dubbert.
Tom attended St. Peter’s grade school, graduated from Rockhurst High School in 1980, and attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. In his youth, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and went on to earn his Eagle Scout Award. Tom was truly the epitome of “Be Prepared” and “Men for Others”.
After college, Tom entered the restaurant business and became part owner of Tequila Harry’s in Overland Park, KS and later, the primary owner of Tortilla Flats in Gladstone, MO. Tom also made many longtime friends while managing Mill Creek Brewery and Lew’s Bar & Grill.
Tom met his wife Lisa (Remmert) in 1996 and the two married on November 4, 2000, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Kansas City, MO.
After many years in the restaurant business, Tom decided he was more suited for getting up at the crack of dawn and spending his days outside surrounded by nature; and so, he created his own lawn service company, Yard Barber of KC, in 2010. With a great deal of determination, Tom started as the sole owner, employee, bookkeeper, lawn mower, and snow shoveler, quickly building a network of loyal customers. He could rattle off the address and grass type of every customer, but he also got to know many of his customers on a personal level and deeply cared about their needs. He knew, by heart, which customers would need lawn clean ups to get ready for a graduation party and who would need snow removal before their early morning commute to work.
The only thing more important than work to Tom was his family, especially his two sons Evan and Alec. Tom was a hands-on dad from the jump. His love, patience, and outstanding example he set for his boys have left an indelible mark as they continue to grow into amazing young men who share their father’s kindness, empathy, work ethic and, wicked sense of humor. Tom never missed an opportunity to remind the boys to be nice to their mom - helping them pick out flowers for birthdays and teaching them to clean up after themselves and do their own laundry.
Anyone who met Tom could count themselves as one of the luckiest people on Earth. Tom truly was a friend to everyone. He loved people but hated big crowds. Although he would happily brave any crowd for a trip with his sons to see the Chiefs, Royals or Sporting KC play. He was much happier working outside, waving to friends and neighbors as they drove by, and chatting up anyone who stopped to talk. He was definitely his father’s son, as his sons will be.
Tom was a rare breed who loved and was loved by so many. Not only did Tom have a natural gentleness and kindness, but he also had a genuine knack for finding joy in the mundane. He was perfectly happy to grill hamburgers and watch Roadhouse for the 25th time (even though he openly regarded it as a terrible movie). He always looked for ways to appreciate the moment whether it be big or small.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother, and mother-in-law, Norma Remmert. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; his sons, Evan and Alec; his father-in-law Rolland Remmert, brothers-in-law Mark Remmert and Mike Remmert (Johana); and sister-in-law Jana Wicks; all who loved him like he was one of their own. Tom is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends far and wide - including John Sheehy, Mike Heili, and Joel Rush, who have been a special part of Tom’s life since their first days of kindergarten at St. Peter’s.
A visitation will be held at Drexel Hall 3301 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO on Thursday, February 2, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will take place at Visitation Catholic Church 5141 Main St., Kansas City, MO on Friday, February 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. All family, friends, and anyone who knew Tom are also welcome to gather to celebrate him and connect with one another at Charlie Hooper’s Brookside Bar & Grill following the funeral services.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Speak Up Kansas City (Speakup.us) or a local mental health organization of your choice in honor of Tom and loved ones in our community who have left us too soon. Lisa, Evan, and Alec also request that every person who reads this reaches out to at least one person to tell them you love them, ask how they are doing, and offer any needed assistance to honor Tom’s legacy.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com for the Dubbert family.
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