Tom was a teacher in district 259, Butler County Community College and Wichita State University for 52 years. He taught social studies as well as coaching girls basketball, cross country, and track. He was truly dedicated to education, and had great admiration for people devoted to this endeavor.
Tom was also passionate about the arts, specifically Opera. He studied voice and began singing at church at the age of 13. One of his happiest memories was the summer he participated in an Opera workshop in Graz, Austria. For years, he had season tickets to the Kansas City and the Tulsa Opera Theaters.
Tom is survived by his sisters Sally Crawford (David) of Salem, OR and Susanne Kuyrkendall of Rensselaer, IN; 2 nephews, Kevin and Sam and 1 niece, Katie Greshem.
A Celebration of Life Service for Tom will be held 3:00PM, Sunday, May 19th, at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 2555 North Hyacinth Lane, Wichita, Kansas 67204.
Contributions in Thomas' memory may be made to Bethany College: Messiah Festival of The Arts, 335 E Swensson, Lindsborg, Kansas 67456 US, https://www.givecampus.com/schools/BethanyCollegeKS/giving-day/?a=6910586; or League 42 Leslie Rudd Learning Center, 1212 E 17th St N, Wichita, Kansas 67214 US, https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NXHW8MQTY6L24.