Thomas R. Smith

Thomas Rodney Smith,85, of Overland Park, KS, passed away May 9, 2025 at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.

Tom was born to Elmo Thomas and Rosalind Marie(Pickett) Smith on November 17, 1939 in Kensington, Kansas. As a youngster, Tom lived in Talmage, Nebraska. His Family relocated to Schuyler, Nebraska when Tom was a junior in high school. That is where he met Margaret Schlemmer. He became senior class president the following year. After graduating from Schuyler High School, he and Margaret married. They lived in the nearby town of Rogers, Nebraska where their first child was born.

Tom's professional and social skills were the path to being elected president of the Schuyler Jaycees, and Noble Grand Master of the Schuyler chapter of International Order Of Oddfellows in 1963, while his father Elmo served as Vice Noble Grand Master. The first father-son leadership in the organizations history.

Tom spent a few years working for ADM, in a division which changed its name to Western Alfalfa. In 1965 the family moved to Windsor, Colorado. There the second child was born. Many close family friends were made.

Around the year 1971, Tom achieved a promotion to Regional Sales Manager, and the family relocated to Garden City, Kansas where close family friendships developed into a small gang of fishing buddies. Tom enjoyed the annual trips to Canada, although not many fish ever came home.

In 1978 another promotion to Corporate Sales Manager moved him and his family to Shawnee, Kansas.

The cul-de-sac took on a new meaning as Tom and neighbors did everything they could to remain best friends. A volley ball court was constructed and many games played and Friday night gatherings were enjoyed.

Tom changed his career path to Brokerage in 1982 when he joined the Bill Barr Company. This was an ever changing field which rewarded him with daily new knowledge and a network of high caliber people.

The annual fishing trips were some of his best times.

During this time, Tom and Margaret moved to Olathe, Kansas where the family of friends grew larger. The Prairie Highlands group, and Flamingo night were fond memories.

After many great years of driving and selling, Tom retired at the age of 67. He and Margaret traveled the world and saw many countries. But the one thing he liked the most, was to just drive somewhere. During his career and later life he racked up well over 1 million miles in various cars.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents.

Tom is survived by his wife Margaret of the home , a brother Gerald (Betty) of Blair, NE, a sister Sheryl Otradosky (James) of Boise, ID, Son Jon (Sheri) Humboldt, KS, Daughter Stacey Segui (Diego) of Gardner, KS, 8 Grand children, and their spouses, 16 great grand children, many nieces and nephews, and countless cherished friends.

Visitation will be June 20, 2025 9:00-10:00 AM with memorial service immediately following at Penwell-Gabel, 14275 S. Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 66062.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to Kansas City Hospice House, memo to CAROUSEL , c/o Thomas Smith.