Thomas Francis Lillis Jr.

Born on August 20, 1959, in Kansas City, Missouri, Tom was the beloved son of the late Thomas Francis Lillis, Sr. and Patricia (Slocum) Lillis. He was raised in a large and close-knit Catholic family, the second oldest of eight children. Tom graduated from Rockhurst High School, where he began a lifelong love of golf, later earning a golf scholarship to Penn Valley Community College.

Tom married the love of his life, Patricia “Patti” (Dove) Lillis, with whom he shared 28 wonderful years of marriage. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. He was a devoted husband, a proud and supportive father to Samantha Lillis and Alyssa Claibourn, and a doting grandfather to Gabriel and Finley Claibourn.

A man of quiet strength and steadfast devotion, Tom will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, and the loyalty he showed to family and friends alike. He had a gift for fixing just about anything and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Whether on the golf course, out hunting, or cheering on his daughters from the sidelines, Tom lived life with enthusiasm and heart. His love of sports—especially when it involved his family—was matched only by his pride in their accomplishments.

Tom’s presence filled every room he entered, and his legacy will continue in the love and laughter he shared with all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Dove) Lillis; daughters, Samantha Lillis (boyfriend Amiri) and Alyssa Claibourn (Paul); grandchildren, Gabriel and Finley Claibourn; mother, Patricia (Slocum) Lillis; sister, Kim Nee (Jon) Nee; and brothers, Steve (Jenny) Lillis, Mark (Kim) Lillis, Joe (Christy) Lillis, Tim (Pat) Lillis, David (Paula) Lillis, and Paul (Inger) Lillis, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas F. Lillis, Sr.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Elks Lodge, 515 E. 99th St., Kansas City, MO 64131. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a life well lived. Instead of flowers, we ask that you honor his memory by creating a moment of joy — take a loved one out, make a memory, and hold it close.