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THOMAS GAULT Obituary

Thomas D. Gault, 87, of Overland Park, Kan., passed away September 3, 2013, surrounded by family. Funeral service will be at 12 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, at Floral Hills Funeral Home. Visitation 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8. Burial at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. Tom was born in Independence, Mo., on July 1, 1926, and grew up in Lamar, Mo., where he worked in his father's meat and grocery store, attended school, and was an avid basketball player since the age of 15. He married Bettye Jo Hoover of Carthage, Mo., in 1949, and in 1951 they opened their first restaurant, The Blue Top Cafe, in Lamar. The family moved to Kansas City in 1956 where Tom first opened and operated Joe's Restaurant & Bar BQ, along with Joe's Catering in 1962, and in 1970 also opened and operated famed Joe's Barn Restaurant in Stanley, Kan. Tom was a member of Olathe Christian Church, Leawood Lions Club over 50 years, and served as a member and on the boards of both the Kansas City and Missouri State Restaurant Associations. In 1977 he was honored as Kansas City Restaurateur of the Year by his peers. Before retiring in 1991, Tom partnered in inventing and founding Power Soak, Inc., featuring a commercial food service pot and pan washer now sold worldwide and can be found in the White House and Buckingham Palace. Tom was best known for his warmth, generosity, incredible sense of humor, common sense, integrity, work ethic, ingenuity, and strong sense of family. He didn't know a stranger and was known to give many a lift up through a job, advice, or charity. He always had time for anyone for any reason. He was preceded in death by his son, Gordon Dean Gault. Tom is survived by his wife, Bettye Jo; children, Jo Marie Cox, Ruth Gault Allen, Kelly King (Brian) and daughter-in- law Elizabeth Gault; grandchildren, Megan and Nathan Allen, Holly and Jesse Gault, Samuel and Anna Lee King, and seven great grandchildren. Tom will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, many friends and business associates, and hundreds of loyal customers. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the caring staffs at St. Luke's South Hospital and Park Meadows Senior Living community. Flowers or contributions to the Salvation Army, City Union Mission of Kansas City, or Lions Club Eye Bank may be sent to Floral Hills Funeral Home. Condolences and shared memories for the family may be left at www.floralhillsfuneralhome.com and also online with the Kansas City Star. Arr.: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., KCMO 64133 (816) 353- 1218. D. W. Newcomer's Sons Funeral Homes, Cemeteries, Crematories 816-353-1218 www.floralhillsfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star from Sep. 6 to Sep. 8, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS GAULT

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Vincent Geissler

February 4, 2014

I worked for Tom when I was 15 at Joe's barn. Best Sunday job ever great food! R.I.P Tom.

karin lichterman

September 13, 2013

That's a great photo; makes me smile just remembering. Memories go waaaay back, from hangin' out with the family, to eating Suzi Qs, and trying to keep up with the jokes. Sincere sympathies to all the family. You are all thought of with fondness.

Tanya Feldkamp

September 9, 2013

So sad to hear about Tom. Tom was my first boss ever at Joes Restaurant and BBQ. He gave me an opportunity to make something of my life and was like a "fatherly" figure to me. Tom was always a kind hearted soul. I deeply respected him and he will be missed. God Bless Bettye and the entire family. I love you all and you are in my continous thoughts and prayers.

September 8, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bettye and the family. We will miss a good friend and neighbor.

Wes and Karen King

OLIVER GREEN

September 8, 2013

OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS PLUS TOM HAS BEEN THE BEST FREIND TO ME THAT ANY ONE COULD ASK FOR AND MY HEART GOES OUT TO BETTY AND HIS FAMILY LOVE AND PRAYERS FROM OLIVER AND GAYLE GREEN

J. D. and Doris Ford

September 8, 2013

During this time of sorrow, remember that God is always near. He blesses us with His kindness, protects us with His power and comforts us with His grace. Know that your loved one now rests in the arms of the Lord.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Love always,
J.D.Ford,Doris Ford and family

Lelia Fischer

September 8, 2013

I was so honored to meet Tom a few years ago at Frank Morse's memorial service. Bettye Jo, you and he were adorable together and I felt the love you two shared. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Lelia (Lee) Harris Fischer

Barry Adamson

September 8, 2013

I cannot think of a single person in my life whose encouragement and simply positive approach to dealing with every person I ever saw Tom interact with, that has had a stronger influence on who I am or at least who I know I should be than Tom Gault. I know I am a better person for having known Tom. I will never forget meeting him on the first time visit to The Barn, Friday June 10 1977, my first day of working for Tom Gault. I have never know anyone I would aspire to be like more than the person I met that day and who influences who I am to this day.

Connie Meyer

September 7, 2013

Tom was dad's (Gordon Compton) best friend all through the years since childhood. Dad loved him as a brother. They both loved basketball, played together for years, and I'm sure are playing together again right now. Tom and Bettye introduced dad to my mom and they were married for 51 years.
We lived in CA but spent summers in MO. I'm not sure how it started but whenever we got together, Tom would invariably end up pulling dad's chest hair. I think it was a challenge to catch my dad off guard. One year it kind of made dad mad and when Tom reached for dad's chest dad helped him by yanking handfuls of his own hair out. Bettye always said that when we left, she had to sweep up the pile of chest hair in their entryway. We laughed about it for years.
When dad was dying, Tom called me every night to give me advice and to encourage me through such a difficult time. I cannot put into words how very much that meant to me. Though I hadn't seen Tom in years, I easily grew to love him over that time; he filled a little piece of the hole in my heart that was left when dad died. Tom was that kind of man, always ready to put himself out for others and sincerely caring about those around him, whether family, friend, acquaintance or stranger. I will miss him so much. My prayers are with Bettye and his family. Love you all.

Jeff Bolton

September 7, 2013

I rarely ever met Tom while growing up with Jesse and Holy, but I am sure the strength, character and integrity of the family he left behind is a testament to Tom's own character, God bless Tom and family!

Jeri Petty

September 6, 2013

My prayers go out to all of you. May you feel peace knowing he will always be watching over you. I know what an awesome man he was because he raised some awesome kids. Kelly I remember us hanging out in High school you are truly a dear and humble person.

Katie Nunn

September 6, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Tom was such a wonderful kind man and will be missed by all. Love Katie

Larry Lindsay

September 6, 2013

Remember Tom from the Joe Barn days of the 70s. Great Employer Great Memories. Thanks Tom.

David Chartrand

September 6, 2013

As a young boy I looked up to Tom Gault because (a) he was very tall, and, (b) he reminded me of my father. He also taught me all I know about doing dishes. Soak the dirty pans; let the water do the work. A good man doesn't tell you how to live. He lives, so that you may watch and learn.

John Cantrell

September 6, 2013

I was fed pancakes from Tom as a young boy when my father and I would visit his "Joe's Restaurant" on state line. My father Bill was a supplier of detergents to Tom and was friends with Tom. Later in life I went into business with Tom and my father when we all founded Power Soak Systems in the late 80's. I learned a lot about character, kindness and what things really matters from Tom. Tom is certainly one of the finest persons I have known in my life and will be greatly missed.

Art Chartrand

September 6, 2013

Tom was a giant of man physically and spiritually to me. Like almost all my bothers and sisters, I worked for Tom and he never failed to take the time to teach me about something. To this day when I wipe a table or sweep a floor I can almost feel and hear Tom's voice behind me. He was also an incredible friend to my Dad who toured "The Barn" before it was opened. Dad told me " I didn't quite see how anyone could convert the place to a huge restaurant, but if anyone can, I know Tom will do it." The Gaults were a big part of our lives and we cherish it all. Godspeed Mr. Gault!

Lisa Williams

September 6, 2013

Kelly, Brian, Sam, Anna and family. Sending you love and prayers during this diffult time.

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