Thomas C. Turley of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on December 17, 2025.

Born on July 21, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Russell and Marguerite Turley, Tom grew up alongside five brothers, a lively household full of laughter, mischief, and lifelong stories that he delighted in retelling. Those early years shaped the man he became—curious, capable, and endlessly warm.

Tom attended Westport High School, where he met the love of his life, Joanne Evans. After several famously unsuccessful elopement attempts, they married in 1962 and soon welcomed two children, Shelly and Stephen. Tom and Joanne spent their years together devoted to raising their children and building a life rooted in togetherness. They loved camping trips, bowling nights, and long days at Tom's softball tournaments, cheering from the sidelines. Evenings were often spent at home playing board and card games, laughing around the table. Wherever they went and whatever they did, they did it as a family—always.

A true jack of all trades, Tom never met a project he couldn’t figure out, build, or improve from the ground up. In 1963, he founded Turley Brothers Masonry, beginning a more than 30-year career crafting homes and buildings throughout the Kansas City area. His work stood strong, much like the integrity and pride he brought to everything he did.

What began as a love of weekend softball and baseball tournaments soon turned into a lifelong calling. Tom joined USSSA, where he served as a tournament, state, and national board director from 1979 to 2014, dedicating decades to growing and supporting the sport he loved. In 2005, he was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame—a recognition that reflected both his leadership and his heart for the community. In 2007, he founded Midwest Sports Production, continuing to host tournaments for teams across the country and having an absolute blast doing it for nearly a decade.

In 2019, Tom lost his wife of 57 years. However, from these darkest moments he found light and love again when he met Rhonda. They quickly fell in love, were married in 2021 and built a life together. They loved to travel to Destin, FL and snowbird throughout the winter, visiting Tom’s daughter and their multitude of new friends. They loved visiting Rhonda’s extended family, socializing with their Car club friends, being involved in their new community, and just spending quality time together. 

Tom never met a stranger—only friends he hadn’t talked to yet. He was a gifted storyteller, genuinely funny, and known for his unmistakable laugh. Above all, he was a devoted father and grandfather, finding his greatest joy in time spent with his children and grandchildren. He was a constant presence in their lives—cheering from the sidelines, offering steady guidance, and filling every gathering with laughter, love, and his legendary hugs. He had the biggest heart, the warmest smile, and an uncanny ability to make everyone feel safe, seen, and deeply loved.

He loved sports, especially cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. He had a deep passion for vintage cars and proudly restored his 1940 Cadillac LaSalle, which he enjoyed showing and sharing with fellow enthusiasts. He was active in his neighborhood HOA and found joy in staying connected and involved wherever he lived.

His legacy continues through his wife, Rhonda, his daughter Shelly Gurley, and daughter-in-law Susie Turley (Dave Forslund). The joy of his life was amplified by his grandchildren: Jaimie Relphorde (Marcus), Dawson Gurley (Kelly), Landon Gurley, Jake Turley (Josie), and Lane Turley, as well as his great-grandchildren: Ryze, Graye, and Aislyn Relphorde, Myles, Madelynn, Grace, and Savannah Gurley, Elsie and Ada Turley, as well as his two step-daughters, Julie Martin and Jill Dickason (Chris) and step-grandchildren Emma, Elyse, Emilia Martin, and Adalyn, Alyssa, Owen Dickason, as well as his dog, Bella.

He is welcomed in heaven by his wife Joanne, son Stephen, his parents and five brothers, and countless friends. Tom’s life was full, generous, and joyfully lived. His legacy is one of love, laughter, craftsmanship, and community—and it will continue on in the countless lives he touched.

The visitation will be on Sunday, December 21, from 2-4 p.m. at the Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS. A private family burial will be held on Monday.

Memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.