Tom Tatro

Tom R. Tatro was born in Nashville, Kansas on September 18th, 1954 to Phil and Joyce Tatro. His life quickly changed, when at just 11 months old, his family expanded to include his brother Jerry.  Tom’s family moved around as a child and enjoyed camping trips, and time with their grandparents at Hillbilly Heaven in 99 Springs.  They eventually settled in Marquette, KS where he met his future wife, Lois (Ramsey).   Tom and Lois were high school sweethearts and married on October 29th, 1977. As a senior in High School, shortly after turning 18, Tom enlisted in the National Guard where he trained in the tank gunnery armor division. In 1977 he received his commission as 2nd Lieutenant.  After a 20 year career, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Major.

Tom worked for Kit Manufacturing in McPherson and later sold welding supplies for Lightner Welding Supply. In 1981 they had their first son, Scott, and moved to Salina, KS. While in Salina they had their second son, Matt, in 1984.   At the same time, Tom was offered a district manager position with Jimmy Jones Welding Supply and moved the family to Wichita.  In 1992, their third son, Austin, was born.

During that same year, Tom decided to make a career change at the urging of his longtime friend Rick Batt and joined Realty Executives of Wichita.  Over the course of more than 20 years, Tom found this was his perfect job where he assisted hundreds of families buy their dream home. Tom took great satisfaction assisting families across the Wichita area get the best deal!  Many times, this meant he had to roll-up his sleeves and pitch in, which he gladly did.

When Tom was not showing homes, or helping friends, he spent time with his family and attending his son’s activities. Whether it was coaching or watching them play football, wrestle, soccer, scouts, basketball, baseball, or band Tom made every effort to be a significant part of their lives.  When his sons were not on the field, he was behind the scenes painting the football field, creating a wall of honor for the wrestling team or helping with the many booster clubs at Maize High School. Even as the boys grew into adulthood, Tom could still be found supporting them as they became youth sports coaches. They had no bigger fan or supporter than Tom!

In 2015 Tom was blessed with a grandson Evan (Scott and Lindsay). Although his time with Evan was short, it did not stop Tom from taking Evan to movies, staying the night, going to the Zoo, and even a trip to see Disney on Ice.  But perhaps the most special time was just before Christmas when all four of Evan’s grandparents took him to St. Louis on a Polar Express adventure.

Tom entered the kingdom of heaven on Wednesday, January 17th surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Lois (Ramsey) - Wichita, KS, his three sons Scott (Lindsay and grandson Evan) - Kansas City, MO, Matt (Michael) - Wichita, KS and Austin (Carolyn) - Hays, KS, his brother Jerry Tatro - Wichita Falls, TX, as well as by countless family members, and friends. Tom was preceded in death by parents Phil and Joyce, and granddaughter Angel Patience.