Thomas R. Clevenger

Tom Clevenger, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed unto eternal rest on November 1st, 2022, at the age of 87. Tom was born on January 24th, 1935, in Wichita, Kansas, to Raymond Charles Clevenger and Mary Margaret Ramsey. In 1939 he relocated with his family to Topeka, Kansas, and subsequently graduated from Topeka High School. He matriculated at the University of Kansas, where he studied business, played football, was a letterman in swimming, and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta.

After graduation he served honorably in the United States Marines Corps with stations in Quantico, VA, Okinawa, Japan, and Camp Pendleton, California. He started his professional career at the Republic National Bank in Dallas, Texas, where he met his wife, Linda Lee. He and Linda married on February 6th, 1965, and later moved to Topeka, Kansas. Together they raised two sons, John Charles Clevenger and Christopher Lee Clevenger. He also became President of the 1st National Bank, and in 1987 led the merger of the 1st National Bank with Bank IV, where he was Chairman of the Bank Holding Company. Tom was a behind-the-scenes leader in all aspects of banking and in life, with a reputation for action without much conversation. Tom was a steadfast contributor to the Topeka and Wichita communities, including years of service on the boards of The Security Benefit Group, Kansas Power and Light, The Menninger Foundation, YPO, and many others. Tom’s analytical nature was known to all who spent time with him. In retirement Tom was an avid skier, quail hunter, and golfer who shot his age on occasion since his 76th birthday. In retirement Tom and Linda have divided their time between communities of friends and family in Dallas, Vail, and La Quinta.

Tom, or Funnyman as he was known by his grandchildren, is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda Lee Clevenger; his son, Christopher Clevenger (and wife Amy Clevenger); Tom’s brothers, the Honorable Raymond Clevenger (Leslie) and Jack Clevenger (Candy); and by his grandchildren Mary Margaret Clevenger, Thomas Clevenger, Katherine Clevenger, Samantha Clevenger, and Charles Clevenger. Tom is preceded in death by his son, John Charles Clevenger, and daughter-in-law, Kristen Clevenger.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 A.M. on November 8th at Christ the King Catholic Church, with a reception to follow at the Dallas Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church or Folds of Honor.