Thomas A. Rainbolt, DDS

The funeral service for Thomas A. Rainbolt of Lawrence, Kansas, will be held Thursday, May 4 at 10:00 a.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Rosary will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, also at Corpus Christi; visitation will follow until 7:30 p.m. A private burial will be at a later time. Tom passed away unexpectedly at his home on April 29, 2017.

Tom was born December 3, 1964 in Bloomington, Indiana, the son of Harry and Rosella Rainbolt. He graduated from Manhattan High School in 1983. Tom attended Doane University in Crete, Nebraska on a football scholarship, Kansas State University in Manhattan, and the University of Kansas in Lawrence. He received a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska in 1991. Tom completed his advanced education in General Dentistry Residency at Fort Riley in 1992, and served in the United States Army Dental Corps in Hohenfels, Germany for two years.

Upon returning to the United States in 1994, Tom joined the dental practice of Dr. John Wulfkuhle in Lawrence, eventually buying the practice of Drs. Wulfkuhle and Rainbolt. Since 2005, he has owned and practiced at Cascade Dental Care.

Tom was a member of the American Dental Association and the Lawrence Country Club, as well as Vice President of the Oread Office Park Owners Association. An intrepid adventurer from an early age, his favorite activities included golf, big-game hunting, snow skiing, world-wide traveling, and spending quality time with friends. Tom also was a licensed private pilot.

Those who knew Tom fondly remember his playfulness, positive upbeat attitude, big heart, generosity toward others, love of life and ability to live it fully, and voracious reading appetite.

Above all, Tom was a proud and loving father, faithful son, revered brother, and reliable friend. He is survived by his two daughters, Natalie Nicole Rainbolt and Kari Ann Rainbolt, both of Lawrence, his parents Harry and Rosella Rainbolt, Lawrence, a brother Michael Harrison Rainbolt of Plano, Texas, and a sister Kathryn Anne Rainbolt and nephew Matthew Harrison “Harry” Rainbolt, both of Lawrence. Tom was formerly married to Deborah Oehme Rainbolt, Lawrence. Close friend Megan Wilson also survives.

He will be greatly missed by all who know and love him.

The family suggests memorials be made to First Downs for Down Syndrome (www.fdfds.org), the Douglas County Dental Clinic (www.dcdclinic.org), and The First Tee youth development organization (https://thefirsttee.org) or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

29 Condolences

  1. Sean Murphy on May 1, 2017 at 1:10 pm

    What I remember most about Tom is if he was awake he was smiling.

    I loved playing football with you brother you were a great wide receiver and a great friend.

    Murph



  2. Beth Swenson-Marine on May 1, 2017 at 1:23 pm

    My brother, Brian Swenson, was in Tom’s class and I was in Kate’s class at THS. I know loosing a brother/son is difficult, especially when its unexpected. Saying a prayer of healing and strength for your family. God bless you all.



  3. Tammy Moody on May 1, 2017 at 4:26 pm

    Thomas was my Dentist, my Customer, and my Friend. He always made me feel special and comfortable when I was in his dental chair. He gave me my smile back and always had one on his face too. I had the pleasure of doing his signage for the last 10+years. I will miss his ever smiling face.
    Tammy



  4. Ron and Patty Brenton on May 1, 2017 at 5:58 pm

    Tom was our dentist for years. We always enjoyed our talks about our beloved Jayhawks whether it be football or basketball. He was a good friend and dentist. We will miss him and his smile.



  5. Barry Molineux on May 1, 2017 at 6:50 pm

    Harry, Rosella, Kate,and Michael and families,
    My sincere sympathy to all.
    Barry



  6. Janet Beeman on May 1, 2017 at 6:57 pm

    Much love and prayers to your family.



  7. Steve Hughes on May 1, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    Tom, I’ll always remember you were one of the good guys. My prayers and condolences to you and your family.



  8. todd a thaemert on May 2, 2017 at 5:46 am

    Tom Rainbolt, A guy who really loved and lived life! Always smiling and upbeat…….easy to be around. You were and are a good friend, I am better for having know you! Thanks for your friendship and caring attitude. Tom was a very SPECIAL person!

    May God be with the Rainbolts at this difficult time.

    Todd Thaemert



  9. Darrel Penland on May 2, 2017 at 6:06 am

    So sorry for the family at this time of the lost of Tom. Knowing the family its a great loss. Prayers to Harry and the rest of the family.



  10. Lori & Steve Montgomery on May 2, 2017 at 8:16 am

    We were patients almost since Day 1 of Dr. Rainbolt’s arrival in Lawrence. Being from Wamego I enjoyed talking K-State sports with him as well as KU sports and aviation. He had such pride in his voice whenever he talked about his daughters. Sending prayers to his daughters, Megan and his Cascade Dental family.



  11. Kathy and David Guth on May 2, 2017 at 8:22 am

    We have been seeing Tom for over 20 years. Always a smile and always joking with us. Sad to see that he passed away so young. Thoughts and prayers go to all family and friends.

    David and Kathy Guth



  12. Lori McCarty on May 2, 2017 at 9:55 am

    My condolences to both his home and dental families.



  13. Greg Hoyt on May 2, 2017 at 11:38 am

    I met Tom on the playground at Marlatt Elementary school in Manhattan, I believe as 1st graders. I sat on the swing set and admired “the kid” that could run over a set of two hurdles. So, as I recall, I built up the courage to introduce myself to him, and we became very, very good friends, despite his love for the St. Louis Cardinals. Harry and Rosella, you became one of several surrogate parents for me through my high school years, supporting me through the loss of my mother at age 14. Tom is, and will always be, a special friend of mine. The picture above says it all. Always smiling. Always optimistic. Always willing to fight the good fight. Never boastful. Knew how to have a good time, and have others enjoy themselves. He always made me feel good.



  14. Greg Marn on May 2, 2017 at 12:41 pm

    When I think of Tom I see smiles and a great attitude.



  15. Pat and Norma Butler on May 2, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    Our sympathy and prayers for all.



  16. Michael and Denise Cuenin on May 2, 2017 at 3:08 pm

    We met Tom when he began his General Dentistry Residency at Fort Riley. Mike was his Periodontics mentor with COL John Sheehe. He was clearly the leader and most outgoing of his group and we enjoyed getting to know him. After getting out of the Army, he flew to Augusta, Georgia to see the Masters. We were living there then and we were able to get together. It was great to get reacquainted. He was full of fun and life. We are sad to hear of his passing and want to express how sorry for your loss we are to his family, those in his practice and his patients. He will be missed. You are in our prayers.



  17. Melissa Wick on May 3, 2017 at 8:06 am

    I was a patient of Dr. Rainbolt since arriving in Lawrence in 1996. He provided great dental care, was there in times of emergency and provided the solutions. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, office staff and other patients he leaves behind. His caring and comforting ways will long be remembered.



  18. Carrie Lindsey on May 3, 2017 at 8:35 am

    I am so sad to read this. I have no words to express how much Dr Rainbolt meant to myself and my family. My heartfelt condolences to all who loved him.



  19. Mac Truong & Tracy Trang on May 3, 2017 at 2:39 pm

    Every time when I saw Dr. Rainbolt in his office, he always asked how my family was doing and I enjoyed having those little conversations with him. So very sad to see him passed away so young! Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.



  20. Hillary Gerling on May 3, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    Kind thoughts and prayers of comfort for the Rainbolt family. The same to Tom’s friends, colleagues, staff and patients as well. My heart is heavy for the loss of such a kind, gentle, positive soul. I feel that I got so much more than I gave.



  21. Sara Caruso ("Buffy" Bigsby) on May 3, 2017 at 6:18 pm

    Sending love and prayers to all who are grieving this huge loss. Tom was a good friend growing up, such a great guy. RIP Tommy.



  22. The Woodard family on May 4, 2017 at 9:19 am

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Maddie Woodard
    Marlene and Rob Woodard



  23. Tammy Adkins on May 4, 2017 at 10:20 pm

    I am heartbroken and almost speechless as I found out today that Dr. Rainbolt passed. Most importantly that his daughters won’t have their dad beside them as they grow.

    Dr. Rainbolt was one of the first dentists I actually looked forward to seeing because he was so personable. He talked to me like we’d known each other for years and made me feel comfortable as he worked on my teeth.

    You will be missed!



  24. Bill and Toni Newman on May 9, 2017 at 3:04 pm

    We are so sorry and shocked to learn of the passing of Thomas Rainbolt. Our condolences and prayers for his family and friends. He was my favorite Dentist and enjoyed his friendship, personality, expertise and sharing hunting stories. We also had a bond as veterans. Gods speed!



  25. Anna Neill on May 15, 2017 at 5:35 pm

    I only knew him as “Dr. Rainbolt,” but he still felt like a friend. He was always so warm and kind both to me and to my son. I knew we were the same age and our children were just a year apart. I am so very sorry.



  26. Bill Mitchell on June 26, 2017 at 9:35 am

    Dr. Rainbolt is the guy that cured my fear of dentists. He akways greeted me with a fist-bump and a smile. After a brief discussion regarding aviation, he would begin and make me feel a little better about my smile.

    See you on the first tee!



  27. Janice Firling on September 9, 2017 at 6:36 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with you, Harry, Rosella, and family. I remember how important your boys and Kate were during our years together at KSU. I know it is extremely difficult to find peace but I pray that God’s love and comfort will be with you.



  28. Claudia McKinsey on July 13, 2018 at 8:31 pm

    Dr. Harry Rainbolt and Rosella, I did not know Thomas. All sorts of thoughts and prayers go out to you this July 13, 2018. If you get this message, please call me at 785-313-5605. Shalom, Claudia McKinsey.



  29. Buz Janley on December 10, 2022 at 9:58 am

    A good friend, a happy person, and. Very good dentist. We will miss him.
    Buz & Pat Hanley



Leave a Condolence