Thomas Allen Zang

Thomas Allen Zang, 74, died at his home Tuesday after a long life filled with song and laughter. Thomas was born October 9, 1930 in Kansas City, Missouri to Frank Henry Zang and Beulah Mae Benninghoff. Graduated from William Chrisman High School, MO in 1948. Thomas joined the U.S. Air Force in 1951 where he was the lead singer with the Airmen of Note, the premiere big band of its time. With his death Kansas Citians lost a man they knew as, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, Tony Baloney and an entertainer at nightclubs and venues across the area. His voice and comedic timing won him numerous awards and provided thousands of hours of joy and happiness to audiences across the country. His musical talent and stunning good looks brought him to the attention of record companies and in the early 1950s Thomas signed a recording contract with Hickory records. The singles "Hey, Good Lookin'" and "Break the Chain" both hit the top 50 on music charts in the both the U.S. and Canada. After living and performing in Miami, Florida for decades, Thomas returned to his hometown in the early-1980s and was a working entertainer for many more years. Thomas was not only a performer but also a writer. During his life, Thomas wrote hundreds of songs, along with numerous short stories, screenplays and books. His creativity extended to all aspects of his life. Thomas was an inventor and a dreamer whose charm and charisma were contagious till the very end. Thomas was preceded in death his parents and his siblings Frances, Roma, Rudolph and Frank. Thomas is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Rita, and by his children, Christine Zang of Independence, Karen and Ed Reese of Overland Park, David and Christina Zang of Independence and Robert and Christie Zang of Olathe. 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren who will miss their Pop-Pop everyday. Thomas' family thanks Odyssey Hospice for the care and companionship provided for the past 10 months. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations contributions be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation or Odyssey Hospice of Kansas City in memory of Thomas A. Zang. Services with be held on September 10th at 5 pm. In the McGilley & Hoge Johnson County Chapel located at: 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS (913)642-3565.