Thomas R. Axe

1924 - 2014

Thomas R. Axe, 90, was carried home to heaven on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014. Born in St. Marys on May 21, 1924, Tom was the youngest of nine kids from Joseph and Clara Axe. His siblings were Cletus, Urban, Damion, James, Joseph, Vincent, Mike and Rose Margaret. All have preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death are several nieces and nephews.
Tom was known by many names; "Dad" was perhaps his favorite. In St. Marys he was known as "Dick" as well as his well-earned nickname of "Worry Wart." To one of the many teams he coached, he was known as "The Bolger". He was also kiddingly known as "Grass Head" because of his lifelong fondness for his flat top haircut.
Tom was known for many things. He was a star pitcher, a baseball, football and track coach, a salesman, a terrific cook and an all-star complainer.
Tom loved many things including his wife of 65 ½ years, Winnie, telling everyone he met in his later years how much he loved her. Of course he loved his many kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. He was very active in Wyandotte County politics, loved his democratic political cause and writing political ads. He loved reading, fishing at Heim Lake and his many winters spent on South Padre Island.
Tom was very prolific in life and left a legion of loved ones behind.
His children are Mark and Patty Axe, the Rev. Greg and Vickie Axe, Laraine "Tinker" and Gary McCray, Renee and David Likins, Keith and Debbie Axe, Chris Axe and Colleen "Ardy" and Scott Loux. From this came 23 grandkids, 14 great grandkids and two on the way.
He is also survived by Jerry Steele, and in-laws Ida Axe, Jenny Axe, Ronnie and Janice Rohrbach, Gene and Barb Rohrbach and Lucille Rogers. There are nieces and nephews, too numerous to list.
Tom came to know Jesus as his savior and we invite one and all to celebrate his earthly life here and his eternal life in heaven.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 22 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 701 N. 94th St., KCK 66112. There will be a memorial service officiated by the Rev. Greg Axe, Tom's son, just after visitation at Chapel Hill. The family requests no flowers. Instead they would appreciate contributions in Tom's name made to Crest Bible Church, 8715 W. 49th Terrace, Merriam, KS 66203, or the Wyandotte County Parks and Recreation Foundation, 5033 State Ave., KCK 66102.