Thomas Walter Peard

Thomas Walter Peard, 73, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, at Bridge Haven in Lawrence, Kansas. A memorial service for Thomas is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary. A private family burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, KS will follow the memorial service.

Thomas was born on April 1, 1952, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Walter and Mary Ann Peard. In 1974, he married Janet Lutz, the love of his life, on June 22 in Barrington, Illinois.

Thomas is survived by his wife Janet, daughter Anna Peard, son Geoffrey Peard, Geoffrey’s wife Maricruz and his granddaughter Sophia Peard. Other survivors include his brother William Peard, his sister Nancy Addison, and his cousins, nieces and nephews.

Thomas received a BA from Washington and Lee University in Virginia, an MA and PhD in Philosophy and a JD from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Thomas began his professional career as an attorney in Aspen and Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Over time, his love of ideas and debate evolved into a second vocation. After teaching philosophy for two years at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Thomas joined the Philosophy and Religion Department at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. As a college professor teaching philosophy, Thomas pursued his passion for inquiry while encouraging his students to think critically and ethically about life’s most meaningful questions.

Thomas lived a life centered on learning. He read widely, wrote often, and delighted in research and spirited conversation. Golf and tennis brought him joy and friendly competition, while his love of animals reflected a quiet compassion. Those who knew him will remember him as someone who was ethical, curious, and always engaged—thinking, questioning, exploring.

The family wishes to thank all the aids and medical staff who assisted Thomas during his Alzheimer's journey. Memorials in Thomas’s name may be made to the Lawrence Humane Society or Alzheimer's Association and may be sent in care of Warren McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th St., Lawrence, KS 66049.