Tom Van Sickle

Tom R. Van Sickle Tom R. Van Sickle, Olathe, Kan., died July 3, 2016. He was born June 22, 1937, in Vernon County, Missouri, the son of Vincent and Welcome Hinderliter Van Sickle. He was a graduate of Fulton High School. Tom attended Baker University for two years prior to transferring to Kansas University and graduating with a BA degree in Political Science in 1959. Tom married Suzanne Galvin in 1964 at Lima, Ohio. Following 25 years of marriage, they later divorced. Following that divorce he spent 19 years with his life partner, Georgina Hunter. She preceded him in death. He graduated from the Washburn School of Law with a J D Degree in 1966 and was admitted to the Kansas Bar that same year. Tom was elected as Kansas State Senator for three terms to represent the Fort Scott district in 1960, 1964 and 1968. While a member of the State Senate, Tom led the successful debate to maintain U.S. Highway 69 status as part of the Kansas freeway system. He was elected Kansas State Treasurer for one term in 1972. Upon moving to Arizona, Tom continued to be active in politics. He served as the chairman of the Arizona Committee for Ronald Reagan for President in 1979-1980. He was an Arizona Delegate to the Republican National Convention held in Detroit in 1980. He was the Field Director for Reagan for President in both Arizona and Hawaii in 1980. He was a lifetime member of the Kansas University Alumni Association, past member of the Fort Scott Rotary Club and Friends of the Fort. In both Kansas and Arizona, Tom was active in the local Chambers of Commerce. Tom lists as his greatest achievement in life, along with his wife, Suzy, his children. Survivors include one daughter, Becky Van Sickle and husband Fergus Caldicott; three sons, David Van Sickle and wife Lolly Merrell, Rob Van Sickle and wife Liz, and Matt Van Sickle and partner, Julia Jagersberger; two step-sons, Howard Hunter-Patel and wife Shilpa, and Chico Hunter and wife Jennie. Also surviving is a brother, Gary Van Sickle and wife Linda; five grandchildren, Henry Merrell-Van Sickle, Charlie Merrell-Van Sickle, Jack Merrell-Van Sickle, Lucy Van Sickle and Mac Van Sickle; and two step grandsons, Neel Hunter-Patel and Orion Hunter; step mother-in-law, Bertha Badillio. Donations in his honor are suggested to the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Trolly Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com. Tom R. Van Sickle