Thomas J. Walsh

Thomas Joseph Walsh, 80, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2015 at his home in Leawood, KS. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Monday, August 31st, 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Nativity, 3800 West 119th St. Leawood, KS. Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m., prior to the mass. Entombment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Lakemary Center, 100 Lakemary Drive, Paola, KS 66071, or Prairie Star Ranch, 1124 California Rd, Williamsburg, KS 66095.

Tom was born May 5, 1935 in Oak Park, IL to William and Elizabeth (Heller) Walsh. He was an alter server at St. Michael’s Church in Wheaton, Il, an Eagle Scout, and began his working career at a young age as a caddy at Chicago Golf. He received an Evan’s “caddy” Scholarship which enabled him to attend the University of Notre Dame and proudly graduated with a business degree in 1957. Shortly after graduation he began with the only company he would ever work for, Taylor Forge & Pipe in Cicero, IL. In Karlyn Koch he found a life and love, and they were married on June 20, 1959. Together they raised their children while moving across country eight times in the next sixteen years. In 1980 they made their final move to Leawood when Tom was named General Manager of the Taylor Forge plant in Paola, KS. In 1984, Tom and partner Gary Kilkenny purchased the business. Together they expanded to plants in several locations, and were honored with the Kansas Exporter of the Year award. He was exceptionally proud of the success of Taylor Forge and its positive impact on the Paola community. Tom continued working until he semi-retired on April 1, 2015 at age 78, still attending monthly staff meetings and staying involved with the business.

Tom was a man of faith, and his family remained central to who he was. He also served as a board member for Lakemary Center and was active with the Evan’s “caddy” scholarship program. He was a dedicated season ticket holder for the Royals and the Chiefs, an avid golfer, world traveler, and enjoyed fishing at the lake house in Laurie, MO with family and friends. His favorite drink was a Gibson dirty martini straight up.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, twin brothers and an infant son. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Karlyn; daughters Kathy Walsh Boyd of Phoenix, AZ, Robert Boyd of Colorado Springs, CO and Terri & Christopher Lyon of Redwood City, CA, grandchildren, Colleen, Allison and Maggie Boyd, Nathan and Henry Lyon and his dog Duffy. Arrangements by McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145. (816) 942-6180.