Tom McNary
SMITH CENTER - Thomas Jasper McNary, Smith Center, KS, passed away May 29, 2012 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE at the age of 73. He passed away peacefully with his wife, Bette, and children at his side. He was born January 4, 1939 the son of Orval and Alice (Mulnix) McNary at Gaylord, KS.
When Tom was 2 years old the family moved to Colorado where he attended school for 11 ½ years. Due to his parents employment they returned to Gaylord, KS. He graduated in 1957 from Gaylord High School. After Tom graduated he enlisted in the US Navy serving proudly aboard the U.S.S. Bassilone, a naval destroyer. He was honorably discharged on December 5, 1958.
On September 14, 1958 Tom married the love of his life Bette Sims. They were married for 53 wonderful years. Tom and Bette were blessed with 3 wonderful children, Kimberly Ann, Steven Jasper and Michelle Renee. Tom was a very loving, caring and compassionate husband, Dad and Grandpa who loved his family very dearly.
The highlight of Tom’s life were when his family was all together playing cards, going to the lake, going to the motel for Christmas and hunting with his son, son-in-laws, and grandsons.
He retired from owner/operator driving a semi from coast to coast for many years. He was a crop adjuster/supervisor for 10 years until his health would no longer permit. He was a life member of the Tin Can Sailors, VFW Post 1141 and North American hunters. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Smith Center serving on the Board of Trustees, as an Elder and several other committees within the church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bette’s parents and sister Judith Griffith.
He is survived by his wife, Bette and daughter Kim (Kurt) Ifland, son, Steve (Brenda) McNary, and daughter Mickie (Tracy) Helberg. Nine grandchildren, Adam (Crystal) Ifland, Blake (Jessica) Ifland, Aaron, Dereck, Blair McNary, and Scott, Travis, Justin and Kyle Helberg. Great Grandchildren, Taylor Lapaille, Kalyn Ifland and Rosslyn Ifland. Survivors also include his sister Eileen Ross of Parker, CO, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family suggests memorial contributions be given to either the First Christian Church of Smith Center or Kearney Overland Trails Dialysis and can be sent in care of the mortuary.
Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM Thursday May 31, 2012 at the mortuary.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00AM Friday June 1, 2012 at the First Christian Church with Pastor Linda Kemp officiating.
Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center with military honors provided by VFW post 1141.
We want to tell the family that we are so very sorry for the loss of Tom he was a very good friend of mine. You all are in our thought’s and prayer’s.
Marc & Heather Reilley
He was always happy.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family on the loss of Tom,we remember playing cards with you when we lived in Smith Center, Eldon and Carole Thompson
Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.
What a good man. I remember him as a kid growing up in Gaylord. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. He will be missed.
Sorry that we can’t be there in person. How sad that Uncle Tommy passed.. He was always so nice to us and fun to be with. My brothers and sister & I have very fond memories of traveling to Kansas to visit with everyone. We are thinking of you and praying for you . We haven’t seen him in many years but it was nice to know he was there.
Love the Burwells
Thinking of you during your time of loss.I echo Troy’s sentiments.I remember the days in Gaylord and Tom,too.God Bless you.
We want to tell the family how sorry for your loss. Tom was such a nice man. I enjoyed working with him as a sub janitor when I first went to work at S.C. schools.
I am very saddened to hear of your loss. May God Bless you all at this rough time in your life. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
The McNary’s were wonderful neighbors for many years to us. Lifting you up in prayer Bette and family at this time.
Dear Kim & all Mr. McNary’s family,
I didn’t know your Dad but am saddened to learn his earthly life has closed. I am glad that God’s enabling grace & strength that has seen me through every step of the way coping with the earthly loss of my folks is offered to each of you also.
Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee.”
Hopefully many good memories follow the reflections of your loved one’s life when you think of him. Also, salute to another of our veteran heros.
Sincerely,
Ila & Bob Virgil
(daughter of Roger & Donna Patton)
I was saddened to hear of your loss. May God bless you and your family in this time of rememberance and sorrow.