Mass of Christian Burial for Thomas “Tom” Michael Hilger, 76, Lawrence, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 29, 2022 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Lawrence. Burial with full military honors will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Thomas passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Kansas City VA Hospital in Kansas City, MO.
Thomas was born on September 19, 1945 in Wichita, KS, the son of Walter and Eileen (Walsh) Hilger.
Thomas served his country in the United States Air Force as a Crew Chief.
He was a salesman and later owned a furniture store.
He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
He married Alexia “Lex” “Ekie” Catherine Hageman on May 8, 1971 in Wichita, KS. She preceded him in death on October 5, 2008.
Survivors include his two sons, Cory (Shelly) Hilger, Shawnee, KS, Russell (Amina) Hilger, Lawrence; six grandchildren, Anna (Katlynn), Haris, Katie, Ellaina, Ismet, Semir; his loving companion, Sue Davis Adams; his siblings, Wayne (Priscilla) Hilger, Paula (Allen) Clouse, Francis “Fran” (Mary) Robbins, Richard “Dick” (Julie) Robbins and Pat Owens.
He is preceded in death by his birth mother, Frances Stanley; his siblings, Tom Stanley, Gene Stanley, Jack Stanley, Eldon “Ike” Stanley, Carolyn Bearden and Maurine DeBoer.
A Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. on Friday, January 28th with a visitation to follow until 8 p.m. at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
The service will be live-streamed at the church and can be viewed by going to our website warrenmcelwain.com.
Memorial contributions may be made in Thomas’ name to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Melvin E. Brown says
Tom was an old friend from the Air Force stationed together in North Carolina. He was a good fiend to have back then and we have remained in touch over the years. He was a true “Brother in Arms”.
May he Rest In Peace.
Melvin E. Brown
Lisa Kudrick says
I don’t ever remember seeing Tom without a smile. He was an amazing person. He will be missed by all. The Royal’s games won’t be the same. Prayers to his family.
Paula Hilger-Clouse says
Tom was the best big brother ever! So many things I loved about him. He had such a zest for life . I miss “Brother Tom “ already. Love , “Sister Paula”
Margie Brummett says
Tom was my friend from the moment I met him. I am truly honored to have known him. I will miss our chats about absolutely nothing they were the best.
Lisa Stallbaumer-Beishline says
Our condolences to the Hilger family. Your sense of loss is overwhelming, but we hope you will find comfort in warm thoughts and memories. Lisa and Eric
Marge Wendling says
Tom was a patient of mine when I worked at the Topeka Va. I loved seeing him as he always presented himself with a smile and a hat. Tom will surely be missed by many. Special condolences to Sue.
Marge Wendling
Tammy Barta says
Russ and family,
I loved going down to the storeroom at LMH to see Tom. He always acted so tough, but was a big teddy bear. Prayers to you and your family during this time.
Tammy Copp-Barta
Kitt . Huffaker says
Tom was fun to be around. His Uncle Jim love it when he visited us in California. I feel sure that his uncle greeted him in Heaven…. I know he is missed by all who knew him. Love to all, Kitt Walsh Huffaker
Aida Torbica says
Oplemenio si naše živote svojim postojanjem..
Uvjen na “našoj strani” podrška,otac prijatelj..
Voljeli smo Te iskreno..
Počivaj u miru nas dragi Tom..
Da Te andjeli čuvaju..
Dragan,Seka i Ivan Torbica iz Mostara
Fran Robbins says
Peace be with you brother.
Thank you for the laughs we had
I’ll miss are nightly chats
Rest in peace Tom.
Fran
Patrick McCool says
Russ and family,
We are so sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing. Nelly and I will miss Tom’s cheerful, thoughtful, witty, and happy friendship. We are so thankful to have met him and his wonderful family. To know him was a blessing to us. Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family at this difficult time.
Patrick & Nelly
Charles Mullen says
Tom was a great man. We served together in the air force in North Carolina. May God bless Tom and his family.
Marcy (Riggs) Tierney says
Condolences to his family and friends. Tom was a Wichita South High School friend. Throughout the years several of our classmates stayed in touch via Facebook. I will miss his picture from the Royals baseball games. To see him at the game and the smile he always had brings lovely memories. RIP.
john connie profaizer says
Tom was my room mate in wichita . he was always on look out for redheads- got one –we were at each other weddings … good freind
Robert Trepinski says
Peace and great memories of of good man to all family and friends.
I knew Tom from the moment he was hired to work at the LMH dock.
He always had a smile and warm welcome. In retirement, we’d bump into each other at various coffee spots and there’d always be a big smile and hi.
Hope to enjoy one up in heaven with him someday. I’ll be able to pick him out of the line, if I make it, by his hat and smile.
Raymond Gilley says
We shared a lot of things, serving our country, a good cup of coffee and a good joke. Tom will be missed. To his family many share your grief.