Tom was special man who had a million dollar smile. He would always find time to talk when we were at the restaurant. My heart goes out to the family during this time - and we live for the promise we will se him again! 

I was born in 1978 and have known Tom ever since I was old enough to form memories. My dad went to Raytown South with Tom and they graduated together in the class of 1977. I have never lived more than a couple of miles from Big Boy for the majority of my life. As a result I have literally eaten at Tom’s hundreds of times, many occasions of which he would always come out to visit with us. Also many of my classmates from Raytown High School I remember worked for Tom during those years. Tom was one of those people in your life that you always thought would be a permanent presence in your day-to-day or week-to-week existence. I will never be able to drive down 40 Highway again without feeling an empty hole in my soul as I pass Big Boy. I know my dad is now missing a very dear friend and thus closes a wonderful chapter of my life, that chapter being eating at Big Boy and just knowing that Tom would always come out from behind the counter and brighten your day. 

DWAYNE AND I ARE KEEPING YOU ALL IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS  DURING THIS TIME. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND GRANT YOU PEACE THROUGH YOUR MEMORIES OF TOM.

We have known the Rhoades since the 1970's.  We opened our first restaurant with the guidance of Tom's father, Paul.    We had the pleasure of working with them (mostly Tom) for almost 30 years (my retirement) from the business.  Tom was a wonderful source of assistance throughout the years.  We shared many a tale and laughs about our experiences!
He was most proud of his girls, Lisa, Jennifer and Jessica!  He shared every accomplishment they achieved (and there were many).    He will be sorely missed by my wife and I.   He has passed way to soon.  We will pray that his family will have peace  and healing during this difficult time,  May God Bless!!

So sorry to hear about Tom.  As a teenager, I (my brothers and sister, too) worked at Big Boy in the late 60's.   I still visit every time I'm in KC and Tom was always there.  The Rhoades family holds a special place in my heart.  

I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was my client through Unemployment Insurance Services almost 14 years. He was such a nice person  and wonderful to work with.  I will miss him popping into the office whenever he had a question or document for me. 

My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Ida Ballew 

Tom and I played baseball together back in the 60s and 70s his dad Paul was one of our coaches.  Tom and I would remember the old times when I would see him at Big Boy.  I  was honored to be able to call him my friend. Praying for the family. RIP my friend 

I have known Tom for many years and was proud to call him a great friend. When I was a kid, my Mom and Dad would take us to Big Boy Burgers on certain occasions. I continued to do that my entire life.  I always loved how he would go around the restaurant talking to all the customers. He had a special bond with many of them.  We would talk each time I went in there. 
He and his family lived very close to me and I spent a lot of time going to visit with them. I am going to miss him dearly and he was truly a great friend. 

I first met Tom when we both worked at Big Boy as teenagers.  Always smiled, always had something good to say, always appreciated a good laugh. A good man.  Our family will miss him.  

I was working at Big Boy in the late 1960's, Paul was like my 2nd Dad and was a tremendous help in my early life. He brought Tom to work a few times and for a 6-7 year old,  he was full of questions. When I met Tom again later it life, I was impressed at how he had turned out. Outgoing, friendly smile and always asking how we were doing. He will be missed by family, friends and the thousands of people he served while managing the place. His presence will be in life for a long time to come.

Tom was a very special guy. It didn't matter where I saw him,  at the Big Boy, down at the farm, in a store, or here at my house when he came to meet Jessica to take her back and forth to college; he alway had a smile and pleasant way about him. He took time to make YOU feel special. That is a gift. We are going to miss him. He is reaping his heavenly rewards and we can take comfort in that. It is our empty hearts that ache. Praying God comforts the family and gives them peace. Tom left lots of good memories. 

I remember from years growing up with Jessica and spending time with her parents just how sweet her Dad, Mr. Tom was. He would always take the time to visit with you no matter how busy he was, and he always had that smile on his face while he spoke. I enjoyed taking trips up to their restaurant, Big Boy and partaking in one of the delicious burgers! I can also remember the time when I was invited to go with their family to Branson over a Thanksgiving break. That was such a great time! You can tell a man’s heart by his actions. Mr. Tom led a life of love for his sweet family and acted selflessly for those around him. I know he is rejoicing with God in heaven, and I also know the void he has left here on earth because of his kind heart. He will definitely be missed. We are praying for you all during this tough and unexpected time. We know that God promises sorrows of the earth only last for a moment compared to the Joy He has in store for us, but that also doesn’t make it any easier. We love you!

OBITUARY

Thomas E. Rhoades "Tom"

June 15, 1959 – April 11, 2018

Newcomer's Floral Hills Funeral Home

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