Timothy F. Thomas

Timothy Farragut Thomas, 83, passed away on April 5, 2022 at Advent Health Shawnee Mission following complications from a hip fracture and late effects of polio. His wife, son and daughter were with him as he drew his last breath.

Dr. Thomas was Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, having taught physical chemistry, mass spectrometry, chemical kinetics and high vacuum techniques. He developed research techniques for studying photochemical reactions in the stratosphere from 1966 until his retirement in 2004. He published 16 research papers, many co-authored with his 4 doctoral students. He was a 50-year member of The American Chemical Society and its division of Physical Chemistry, and held memberships in Sigma Xi, The American Physical Society, The American Society for Mass Spectrometry, The Royal Society of Chemistry and The Inter-American Photo-chemical Society.

Tim was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 15, 1938 to Francis James Thomas and Elizabeth Schoch. A dedicated student, he graduated as valedictorian of his high school class and received a National Merit Scholarship (1956-1960) despite contracting polio at age 15 and missing a year of high school. Graduation cum laude from Oberlin College was followed by earning the Ph. D. in chemistry at the University of Oregon. A Postdoctoral Fellowship at Brandeis University led to definitive research papers in his field of ion photodissociation.

Despite shortness of breath due to polio, Tim sang in church and community choirs and was a member and Elder of Linwood United Church in Kansas City, Missouri. He and Marian enjoyed traveling, visiting all 48 states, the British Isles, and Europe. He played chess online and with his brother and sons, and kept abreast of politics and climate change issues. He had solar panels installed on his home and urged others to do so.

Tim met his wife, Marian, at Oberlin College and they were married in June, 1963. They were married 58 years and 9 months, and were devoted to their children Peter John, Steven Llewellyn, and Julia Lee. Tim attended their sports event, recitals, and Scouting ceremonies. He was preceded in death by his sister Jennifer, his parents Francis and Bette, and his son Steven. He is survived by his wife, brother Brian (Sue Morgan), brother Jeffrey (Mary Harmon) son Peter, daughter Julia, and two grandchildren, Mariana Helen and Eliza Jane.

The family will hold a private graveside service at Forest Hill Cemetery, Rev. Scott Myers officiating. A public memorial service will be held in the summer. Please send memorial contributions to The National Resources Defense Fund (nrdc.org) or the American Civil Liberties Union (aclu.org.)