Born in Louisville, on February 24, 1937, he was the middle son of Gilbert and Lillian Kannapel. He grew up in the West End where he lived next door to his future wife and love of his life, Janice Ford. He graduated from Manual High School in 1955 and married in 1957, quickly growing his family with four daughters, and even a girl dog. He began working at HUD and attended Night School at the University of Louisville, eventually earning a degree in Business Management.
At 48, he retired from the Federal Government as Chief Architect at HUD and began his second career queuing and teaching Round Dancing with his wife. They traveled the country for many years, featured as the Rounds Instructor at many Square and Round Dance conventions, and spent 17 winters in Arizona as the Rounds Instructor there. He taught so very many students to dance and choreographed many dances for the Rounds community. Soon after A Fifth of Beethoven was released, he choreographed a Round Dance to it that was eventually ranked number one in that community.
In his later years, he kept busy with dancing and drove a shuttle van for Bachman Chevrolet. Throughout his life, Tom always enjoyed building things and solving problems. He was quick to lend a hand to anyone in need. He loved his family, he loved his dogs, and he loved his wife more than anything else.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Gil and Mike Kannapel. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janice; his daughters, Sharon Meyer (Danny Moore), Rebecca Dowell (Ron), Susan McCormick, and Jennifer Wahle (Garry); 10 grandchildren, Tricia Beckmann, Thomas Meyer, Shannon Burton, Jacob Meyer, Monique Sorrell, Chad McCormick, Amanda McCormick Moss, Ashlee McDonald, and Derek and Sidney Wahle; 30 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 4th, from 4:00 – 7:00, at Arch L Heady at Resthaven. The last hour will open for everyone to share their memories, stories, and thoughts about Tom and what he meant to them. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 6th, with cremation to follow. Tom will be laid to rest in Resthaven Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to American Stroke Association, Mass of the Air or Mariansisters.org
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