Thomas Stringer

Thomas B. Stringer, 64, Topeka, Kansas, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach and friend to so many, passed away Friday, November 28, 2025.

Tom was born July 1, 1961, in Topeka, the son of Joan Renner Stringer and Stanley G. Stringer. He attended Holy Name Grade School and graduated from Hayden Catholic High School in 1979. Tom earned a degree in education with a minor in psychology from Pittsburg State University where he also earned first team All-American honors as an offensive lineman.

On August 6, 1983, Tom and Jeanette Marie Zeller were united in marriage at Holy Name Church, enjoying more than 42 years together.

Tom began his coaching career at Baileyville before returning to Hayden where he served as head football coach, leading his Wildcats to their first 4A State Championship in 1998 with a 13-0 record and repeating that feat in 2004.

Tom has been enshrined in two Halls of Fame, Pittsburg State Athletics and Hayden Catholic High School. On December 7, he is scheduled to be inducted into the Kansas Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Tom's Hayden teams won the Centennial League championship seven times, and he achieved a career record of 131-35 during his 15 seasons as the Wildcats' head coach.

Tom was bigger than life. Not only his physical stature but his enthusiasm for life in general. Tom's love of God and his faith, love of his family and his love of football and his players, set him apart. His passion and positive attitude drew people to him. He was well loved and will be long remembered.

Left to cherish Tom's memory are his wife, Jeanette Stringer; children, Nick Stringer (Kelsey), Dawnly Stringer and Tomas Stringer; grandchildren, Wyatt, Everett, Beau, Gannon and Hayes; siblings, Kathryn Hosfelt (Mike), Dr. John Stringer (Telisa), Joseph Stringer, Michael Stringer and Rose Cuella (Sam).

Tom was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Nicole, infant son, Corey, brothers Patrick and Dr. Bob Stringer and his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, December 13, at Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church. The rosary will be prayed one half hour prior to Mass. Inurnment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Coach Tom Stringer Memorial Scholarship at Hayden Catholic High School, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home. 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.

Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.