Thomas V. Heady

Thomas V. Heady, 73, of Garden City, Kansas, formerly of Newton, Illinois, passed away peacefully during the evening of May 15, 2025 surrounded by family. Born on December 28, 1951, in Robinson, Illinois, Tom was raised on the family farm in Newton, instilled from a young age with a strong work ethic and deep love for agriculture. As the son of a U.S. Army Colonel, Tom also experienced life beyond the farm, living in places such as Germany, Japan, Guatemala, and Virginia. These travels gave him a broader perspective on the world but never dimmed his passion for rural life. Tom attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he proudly competed on the livestock judging team. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Animal Industries, which became the foundation of his life's work. After college, Tom moved to Garden City, Kansas, where he met the love of his life, Ethel Albers. They married on April 10, 1976, and together created a loving home. Early in their marriage, Tom and Ethel opened their hearts to foster children, later adopting their two beloved daughters, Jackie and Kari. The Heady family returned to Newton, Illinois, where Tom worked alongside family on the farm before opening Locust Knoll Farms Feedmill-an endeavor that reflected his entrepreneurial spirit and lifelong commitment to the agricultural community. In 2003, Tom and his family returned to Garden City, where he continued to farm and later took great pride in working with Garden City Public Schools. Whether in the fields or the school system, Tom dedicated himself to hard, honest work and supporting others. Tom was a true cowboy at heart. He had a lifelong love for horses, cattle, and dogs, and spent many of his younger years rodeoing-riding bulls and saddle broncs, competing in horse shows, and trail riding. His connection with animals was instinctive and profound, and he shared that love with his children and grandchildren. Tom will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his deep ties to farming and caring for livestock, and his generous, dependable nature. He had a strong moral compass, an unwavering faith in God, a love for rural life, and a quiet strength that left a lasting impression on those who knew him. Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ethel Heady; his parents, Harold and Marietta Heady; and his sister, Linda Heady. He is survived by his daughters, Jackie Heady and Kari Otero (Isaac); and his cherished grandchildren, Kobe, Kaleb, Analeigh, and Adrianna Otero. A celebration of Tom's life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Tuesday May 20, 2025 at 10:30 am. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Thomas V Heady Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Friends may call from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday at Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com