Thomas (Tom) G. Jerome led a faith-filled life, born on August 15, 1939, in Seneca, Kansas to Clifford M. & Bernadine (Huerter) Jerome, and was raised in Buffalo, KS with 8 siblings and 5 half siblings.
Tom was an exceptional athlete, excelling in basketball, track, baseball, handball, racquetball, and later became an avid cyclist.
After studying at Neosho County Community College and Mortuary Science College in Dallas, TX, Tom worked at funeral homes in Chanute and Ark City before transitioning to education. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education from Pittsburg State University.
In 1967, Tom became the principal of Eudora’s Nottingham Elementary School, serving the community for 35 years. He also engaged in diverse roles including ambulance driver, body shop mechanic, mortician, and wedding photographer, and was an award-winning gardener.
Tom and his first spouse, Linda Campbell, had six children together. Following their parting, he remained deeply committed to his children into their adulthood with quiet generosity, never seeking recognition and always ready to offer more.
In 1989, he married Deloris Oliver (Thatcher) and gained a step-daughter, spending the next 35 years in a loving home filled with warmth and care.
Tom was an active member of Holy Family Parish in Eudora for decades, attending daily mass and serving as a communion minister and lector. He devoted his free time to exploring life’s deeper meanings through reading, devotion, and meditation.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, seven siblings, and five half-brothers. He is survived by his wife Deloris; children, Joe (Marilyn), Judy (Ed Odom), Pat, David, Diana, Michael (Angela); stepdaughter, Linzi; 14 grandchildren: Sarah, Matthew, Hannah, Lucas, Meghan, Alannah, Rebecca, Sofia, Maya, Rock, Amanda, Micaiah, Elliana, and Avery; and 3 great-grandchildren: Braedyn, Brecken, and Maddox; and brother, Jim, along with many loving nieces and nephews.
Tom will be deeply missed by his family and community. He was our steadfast support and comfort in challenging times, always there to guide and uplift us. We are grateful for his enduring love, wisdom, and the inspiring example of faith, hope, and charity he set, which will continue to resonate in our lives.
Tom’s Rosary and visitation will be on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 9-11 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am at Holy Family Parish, Eudora, 820 Birch St. Burial at Holy Family Cemetery and a luncheon in the parish hall will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Eudora Schools Foundation or the Eudora Food Pantry in memory of Tom Jerome, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
