Thomas Hayden Ptomey, 80, Shawnee, Kansas passed away Monday, June 17, 2019. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Friday, June 21, 2019 at Crossroads Christian Church 5855 Renner Road, Shawnee Mission, Kansas. Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Church. Burial will be held at Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens, Shawnee, Kansas following the service.
Tom was born August 4, 1938 in Salem, Oregon to Ellavene and Norman Ptomey. His parents had gone to Oregon to find work during the Dust Bowl, right after the Depression. When his parents came back to Kansas, the family lived on different farms that had available jobs. The family lived in Highland before moving to Leona, Kansas. Tom and his brother Dennis finished school there, then went to Highland Junior College. He completed his education at Emporia State University Teachers College, earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in education. Tom was destined to be a teacher. He began his career in a one room, multi grade schoolhouse in rural Northeast Kansas. He taught all subjects to his students. In 1961 he married his wife, Linda and moved to the Kansas City area. At this time, he continued his teaching career at the Turner School District where he remained until he retired after 40 years of teaching.
Tom loved the outdoors. He made annual trips to his favorite hunting spots to find morel mushrooms. 2019 was the only year that he missed the annual tradition. He also enjoyed fishing with his grandsons and boating out on the lake where he lived. Growing up on farms, Tom had green thumb for gardening. He planted flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables. His home is surrounded by his years of planting beautiful blooming flowers and bushes. He spent many hours outside on the patio enjoying the sunshine and grilling. The outdoors also called him to travel. He and his family camped their way across the USA. After his retirement, he and Linda went on numerous cruises, including renewing their vows on a ship in Hawaii for their 40th anniversary. They also went to Norway twice to visit family and explore their ancestral roots.
Family was incredibly important to Tom. Tom met his future wife while working at the Jones Store on Troost in 1958. They married in 1961 and celebrated more than 57 years together as soulmates. It was rare to see one without the other. He enjoyed being an actively involved father to his two daughters. His pride and joy were his two grandsons that made his life complete. He also served as a father figure to his nephew after his brother passed away. He liked keeping in touch with extended family members by attending the annual reunions and traveling to visit them when he could.
He was an active contributor at Crossroads Christian Church. He participated in bible studies and Senior Saints activities. He served on many committees and service groups. It was at the church where he met a close group of friends that started a “Taco Tuesday” tradition.
Tom is survived by his wife Linda, Shawnee, KS; daughter Lorree Ptomey, Gladstone, MO; daughter Tanya Morgan and husband Greg, grandsons Ethan and Sam, Kansas City, MO; sister Retta and husband Ray Puvogel, Hiawatha, KS; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the University of Kansas Cancer Care or Crossroads Christian Church 5855 Renner Road, Shawnee, Kansas 66217.
Casket Bearers: Greg Morgan, Ethan Morgan, Sam Morgan, Adrian Bankowski, Don Trites and Dan Waterkotte