THOMAS SINIARD

THOMAS SINIARD Thomas "Tom" Henry Siniard, age 80, passed away June 29, 2024 in Wellington, KS after a long struggle with dementia and COPD. Tom was born in Altus, OK, on November 9, 1943, to J.R. and Opel Siniard. After graduating high school, Tom attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK. From here, Tom began his life-long teaching career, first in the southwest Kansas community of Satanta from 1967-1970, then in Johnson from 1971-2004. In Johnson, Tom was set up on a date with the town's new home economist, Joyce Park, and they married at Fields Memorial Wesleyan Church two days after an epic snowstorm on January 28, 1973. Learning and teaching were always a way of life for Tom. A man with multiple college degrees, he always remained a classroom teacher, stating the year he wasn't ready for school to start in August was the year he needed to retire and that's exactly what he did in 2004. Even when not in the physical school building, Tom was teaching. His family would often look out the windows of their house to see bicycles and several of the town's children in their yard, "gardening" and talking to Mr. Siniard. The family is sure some of life's most important lessons were taught and learned during those times. Outside of the "life lessons" Tom taught his students, he enjoyed reading, playing dominoes, watching OU sports, hunting, and fishing. Many children in his family and in the Johnson community had their first fishing experience with Mr. Siniard and a few even learned how to tie flies for fishing from him. Retirement led Tom to Kingman, KS where Joyce was teaching. During this time, he did what many retired teachers do and worked as a substitute teacher in a few communities. When Joyce retired in 2011, they moved to McPherson to be caregivers for Joyce's parents. They then moved to Wellington in 2022 to be closer to their daughter who became their caregiver. Tom is survived by Joyce, his wife of 51 years; his children Tim (Misty) Siniard of Amarillo, TX. and Sarah (David) House of Wellington, KS.; grandsons Tyler Siniard and Emmett Hudson; granddaughter Talina de la Cruz; 5 great-grandchildren; siblings Carolyn (Leroy), Wynell, James, and Brenda (John); numerous nephews and nieces; and aunt Loris Hall. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Ryan Siniard-Foster. In keeping with Tom's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no memorial service at this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to two causes that were close to Tom's heart: Cal Farley Boys Ranch: 600 SW 11th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79101-3228 or the Wellington FFA Greenhouse Fund: Wellington High School Attn. Linda Chase, 1700 E 16th Street, Wellington, KS 67152. Contributions can be mailed directly or sent to Cornejo Funeral Home in Wellington, KS.