Thomas J Ronan

Thomas J. Ronan, 93, passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2014. Visitation will be Sunday, Oct. 26th from 2:00 – 4:00 PM with Rosary at 2:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 4:00 PM at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 3736 Lee’s Summit Rd., Indep., MO 64055. Graveside service will be 10:00 AM Monday at Holy Angels Cemetery, Basehor, KS.

Thomas was born January 10, 1921 to Anna B. & Michael Ronan. He graduated from Blessed Sacrament Catholic Grade School in Kansas City, KS, Bishop Ward High School (Class of 1938) & Kansas City Business College. He served in the 75th Army Infantry Division/Battle of the Bulge in WWII & received many certificates of appreciation. He married Inez Mae Wilson on April 11, 1942 & through this union 7 children were born. He worked at KC Southern Railroad for over 40 years until his retirement. He was a long time member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church; past President of the St. Vincent De Paul Society; a member of the American Legion Post 21 (Harry Truman’s Post); Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 3717; & Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #01000.

Thomas was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Inez, on May 14, 2009; & siblings – John Bernard Ronan, Margaret Ronan Keating, Rita Ronan Yoksh & Kathleen Ronan. He is survived by his children – Nancy Ronan, Mike Ronan, Donna Ronan Hoeper (Gary), Kathy Ronan O’Toole (John), Maureen Ronan Dierkes (Bill), Paula Ronan Stinnett (Bob) & Joe Ronan (Teresa); 14 grandchildren; & 9 great-grandchildren.

Family was very important to him and many family celebrations were enjoyed on the deck at the family home. Tom was very proud of his 100% Irish heritage, & the family’s many award-winning St. Patrick’s Day floats. He loved gardening & was known for his begonias.

Tom was an exceptional athlete. He was the starting guard on the 1938 Bishop Ward High School Basketball Team that won the state championship, beating their arch rival, Wyandotte High School 33-30. Tom was credited with scoring the final shot of that game, putting Ward up by three points. He played competitive baseball throughout his young adult years, and was a promising prospect for the NY Yankees, signing a contract with their minor league club, before World War II intervened.

Tom was president of his local union and often reminisced that Mr. Deramus, President of KC Southern, and he would usually sit down over a glass of whiskey to negotiate and finalize the contract.

Throughout his life, Tom remained a staunch Democrat and champion of the underdog.

Tom had a strong work ethic and oftentimes took on additional jobs to support his growing family. In addition to his full-time position with KC Southern, for many years, summers were spent on his ice cream truck route and later managing the office at Delight Wholesale; and, during the holiday season, selling Christmas trees with his great friend John Hallak.

Special thanks to the staff of Crossroads Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Mark’s St. Vincent De Paul Society; Down Syndrome Guild or Bishop Ward High School. Condolences to www.mcgilleysheil.com.

Arrangements under the direction of McGilley & Sheil Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Kansas City, MO.