He was born in Madison, Kansas, the son of William George and Mary Elizabeth (Matile) Metz. He graduated from Olpe High School in Olpe, Kansas. He continued his education at Kansas Teachers College of Emporia (now known as Emporia State University) in Emporia, Kansas where he obtained his B.A. and was awarded a full scholarship to attend University of Nevada – Reno where he achieved his PhD in Organic Chemistry. Tom then had a long successful career with Bayer Crop Sciences. Even though he blew up the lab on his second week, he was promoted to plant manager and survived many “yeah, but…” sessions (a.k.a. annual reviews). He got his coveted buy-out in the early 2000s, when he began the good life.
Tom was a 59 year member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and a member of the Knights of Columbus. In his spare time, Tom was an amateur wine enthusiast who was always willing to help with pairings and loved to share his favorites with friends and family. Tom was an OG foodie, always willing and ready to relish a savory meal shared with family, where he would entertain by telling stories from his experiences on the farm and corporate jungle. Tom had a love for sports and loved taking his son to the Royals and Chiefs stadium or simply enjoying the game from home in his favorite team shirt. He also enjoyed golf, and even spent an occasional day on the course.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Metz; three brothers, John Metz, David Metz, and Bill Metz.
Tom is survived by his wife Cathy Metz of the home; his three children, Clinton Metz of Gladstone, Missouri, Cheryl Metz of Columbia, Missouri, Lisa Cook and husband Walter of Mission, Kansas; one granddaughter, Eleanor Valentine Cook; two brothers, Daniel Metz and wife Beverly of Emporia, Kansas, Louis Metz and wife Doris of Glenrock, Wyoming; two sisters, Mary Hayes of Emporia, Kansas and Betty Gray of Watsonville, California.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at St. Patrick Parish with burial following in the Terrace Park Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri.
A visitation will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023 at McGilley Antioch Chapel from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and can be left in care of the funeral home.
