Thomas Patrick Waner

Mass of Christian Burial for Thomas Patrick Waner, 85, Lawrence will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 10, 2014 at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at St. Boniface Cemetery in Scipio, Kansas. He died January 4, 2014 at his home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Bernadine, Pauline and three brothers, Willard, Louis and Raymond.

Tom was born on December 21, 1928 in Florence, Kansas, the son of Joseph Matthew and Inez V.E. (McAlister) Waner. He graduated from St. Joseph’s College and Military Academy in 1946, and attended the University of Kansas.

Tom was in the U.S. Army, serving in Korea, and was awarded the Bronze Star and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation with 6 bronze stars. He also served with the U.S. Air Force in Okinawa and was a Reservist in the U.S. Navy.

Tom was united in marriage to Rosalie Mary (Pickert) Waner on March 16, 1953 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Scipio, KS. She survives of the home. To this union, five children were born. Stephen M., Idaho Falls, ID.; Janice M. Day and husband (Philip), Sarasota, FL.; Sharon L. Dailey and husband (Bruce), Fernandina Beach, FL.; Patricia A. Weig, Colchester, CT., and Kevin R, Lawrence, KS. – four grandchildren, Blake Dailey, Brett Dailey and wife (Keli), Kyle Dailey, Jaime Weig, and one great granddaughter, Jenna Rosario.

Tom was a former member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 555 of Topeka, KS, having served on the Lodge Ritual Team and also, Auditor of the Lodge. He was a member of Knight of Columbus Council 1372 and a member of Pope John Paul 4th Degree Assembly of the Knights of Columbus, Lawrence and a member of the American Legion Post 14 of Lawrence. Tom also served as a former chairman, Director and State Treasurer of the Kansas State Council of the Knights of Columbus. He retired in 1991 as a Field agent for the Supreme Council of the Knight of Columbus.

Tom retired in December 1983, as Assistant Postmaster at Pleasant Hill, MO. with a total of 34 years Military and Civil Service.

The family will greet friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a parish rosary at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2013 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or Douglas County VNA Hospice and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

10 Condolences

  1. Debra Keating on January 5, 2014 at 12:30 pm

    Rosie and family Dad I are very sorry for the loss of Tom. He was a wonderful friend, husband and father. When they made the mold for Tom they made the best. Prayers are being said and sent to you all. Keep all of the memories close. Bud & Deb



  2. Andy and Margie Gilner on January 5, 2014 at 1:37 pm

    Dear Rosie and family, Please know that we are praying for you and your family. We have so many wonderful thoughts, stories, smiles and belly laughs when we think of Tom. You blessed us by sharing him with us and with so many people. He touched so many lives and always with his huge smile and the best handshakes and hugs. Love you all, Andy and Margie Gilner



  3. Joan Stevenson on January 5, 2014 at 3:12 pm

    Hello Rosie and family,
    I know you all are saddened over the loss of husband, father, grandfather etc. I understand and know no one will ever be able to take his place in youre lives. But you know that he is in a better place with our Lord, where there is no more pain.
    Tom always had a smile on his face whenever I saw him—
    my condolences to you all.
    Joan Stevenson



  4. Bob & Norma on January 6, 2014 at 10:53 am

    Rosie
    So sorry for your loss.
    We remember the good times. Our kids playing
    and we playing vegas (lost teeth)

    He will rest in peace l

    Bob & Norma



  5. Larry & Nancy Gretencord on January 6, 2014 at 1:45 pm

    Rosie & family, We were so sorry to hear about Tom’s death. Our
    thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will always
    remember the fun we had with both of you at the K of C conventions. With deepest sympathy, Larry and Nancy



  6. Randy & Debra Yates on January 6, 2014 at 6:50 pm

    Although we only met Mr. Tom once he certainly left a lasting impression. He was a character and one that I’m sure will truly be missed by his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you are reminded of the fond memories that hold a special place in each ones heart of Mr. Tom.



  7. Frank and Connie(Feuerborn) Wittman on January 7, 2014 at 2:20 pm

    To all the family we want to extent our sympathy. I got to know Tom pretty well when he was the PostMaster in Richmond for awhile.
    I worked at the Café and he ate lunch there we became friends. My husband was in the hospital at KU Med and it was the winter of 1979? when we had so much snow. I had to get to the hospital and Tom offer to give me a ride to meet relatives at the Baldwin Junction.
    After the years I met Tom at different occasions at Scipio when one of Carol and Jerry’s kids were getting married. He will always hold a place in my heart for helping me out with a ride when I desperately needed one. Rest in peace my friend!!



  8. Ryan Nall on January 7, 2014 at 6:29 pm

    It has been a pleasure to know the Waners for over 14 years. Tom was a great man to have known. My prayer is for peace, love, and joy during this time of loss. In Christ’s love, our best to the Waner family and friends.

    -The Nalls



  9. Jim & Marilyn Wilson on January 9, 2014 at 8:32 am

    Rosie and family, we are so sorry for your lose. Tom was such a wonderful man. He meant so much to our grandkids. He will be missed. Prayers your way. Jim & Marilyn Wilson



  10. Brian and Amy Doue on January 13, 2014 at 5:29 pm

    Rosie and Family –

    I was so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. While I was saddened, thinking of him and your family brought up so many good memories from growing up in the neighborhood with everyone. An unexpected and special gift from Tom that I am grateful for.

    Our deepest sympathies and prayers for peace to all you.

    Brian and Amy Doue
    Omaha, NE



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