Thomas Richard Boyd
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Thomas Richard Boyd, Baldwin City, Kansas passed away on August 2nd, 2021 at his home. He was born on April 5th, 1940 in Topeka, KS the son of Richard and Grace (Cotton) Boyd.
Shortly after his Dad came back from World War II, they moved to Staff Village (Housing for the employees of Hercules) near Desoto. Tom attended Desoto and later Lawrence schools. At Lawrence High School he was an avid football, basketball and baseball player. It was during this time that he forged lifelong friendships. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1958.
After graduation Tom was in the Army Reserves while also beginning his career in the construction and plumbing business.
In January of 1965 Tom married Diana Browning in Lawrence, Kansas. Together they had three daughters, Tricia, Micki and Kylee.
Tom and Diana started their business, Boyd Plumbing in 1974. He and Diana operated the business until their retirement in 2008.
Tom was an outdoorsman and avid hunter. You could often find him golfing, tending his garden and working out in the barn. He and the same group of friends went to Western Kansas for opening day of hunting season for over 50 years. Tom also enjoyed going to auctions where he had a standing number with several auctioneers in the area. Tom was known for accumulating boxes no one else would bid on, to the delight of the auctioneers. No matter where Tom was, he most likely had a cigar close by.
Still waters ran deep with Tom, and you always knew to listen when he had something to say. Hard work and integrity were cornerstones in his life, although he was not above a good practical joke.
In 1998 Tom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Although the disease slowed him down, he rarely complained and did not let the disease define him. The family would like to thank his friends who continued to include him in lunches and many a dinner at the Spoke as his disease progressed.
Tom is survived by his wife Diana, his three daughters Tricia Boyd (Greg Whitman), Micki Thomas, Kylee Moore (Jon), and his beloved grandson Jack Thomas, who affectionately called him “Pop”, brother Bob Boyd and step-brother Andy Anderson.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Richard Boyd and Grace Boyd Anderson, step-dad Lowry “Andy” Anderson, brother Andy Boyd and step-brother Tripp Anderson.
Tom’s girls would like to thank their Mom for taking such good care of him, which allowed him to live at home with a full life despite his Parkinson’s.
Visitation will be from 6-8pm on Friday, August 6th at Warren McElwain Mortuary, Lawrence, Kansas
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials to Baldwin High School Trap Team or Visiting Nurses/Hospice of Lawrence and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever”
I am so sorry Diana, Trish, Mickey, and Kylee for the loss of your dear husband and father. Tom was a very good man . He was always kind to me . Ross and Rachel loved him very much , and he was a wonderful example to them. He will be missed. With sincere sympathy to all of you. With love, Pat Boyd
I new Tom as my landlord when I lived at the house at 1533 Rhode Island. He was the best and in those days it was hard to find a good landlord. He was always prompt at fixing things. I’m so sorry for your loss Diana. Tom was a good man.
We lost a good one. Tom was such a help to me back when I started remodeling, always willing to advise.
Diana and girls, so sorry for your lost we can and will cherish the many wonderful memories of Tom.
So sorry to hear of Toms passing. Remembering back to all the ballgames we played and then later to seeing him at auctions. Our prayers are with you.
Our sympathy to Tom’s family. We are sorry to hear of his passing. Went to high school with him. Such a great guy! Marvin and Kathy Pine
Diana, Trish, Mickey and Kylee, I’m so sorry for your loss. Tom was a special man. He was definitely the best of the “good guys”! I have so many good memories of all the times we spent together and will cherish those times forever. Tom will be missed by so many friends but especially by his dear family that he loved so much.
Love and hugs to all of you during this time. Dwell on those good memories.❤️
So sorry. Diana,Trisha,and Micki and Kylee. Thinking of you and sending prayers.
Sorry for your loss honey . He a good man , i will miss him . We have a lot of fun every time both of you come in do pedicure.
So sorry. Tom will be missed. Thinking of you all, hugs and prayers ❤️ The Lyon’s Duane and Susie
So sorry for your loss, Tom was a great guy and loved his family fiercely. He will be missed dearly. Sending love and prayers.
If the world was full of Tom Boyd’s it would be a wonderful place to live. A former teammate and roommate that I had total respect for. When John Hadl and I shared memories of Tom we both had tears on our faces. He was the guy you always chose first when picking a team. The best to the entire family and it has always been a wonderful family.
I remember following Tom around like glue on my visits to Kansas I looked up to him in many ways and he was always so good to me and everyone around him
Prayers for your family. I never had the
pleasure of knowing Tom, but enjoyed reading memories posted, the tribute written . and stories Bob has shared.
He must have been a very special man.
I am Bob’s friend , and I look forward to meeting you at a later time.
I’m so sorry Diana, Tricia, Micki, and Kylee.
Such a beautiful video. His love for family and friends shows strong. He will be missed by many. Love you all.
Dear Diana and family,
I second and ditto all that has been said about Tom in the previous condolences! I grew up with him at Lawrence schools and thought he was one of the kindest, good looking (“Hollywood Handsome”) and quality person that I have ever known and ever did know. I agree with Larry Hatfield that if this world were made up with all Tom Boyds, there would be no wars and lots of Love and Joy! You may not know me but Tom did. And I live in MN, but plan to come to Lawrence in the near future and will call you. Diana you were the perfect wife for him!
With lots of love and compassion for your loss. I miss him also!