Thomas J. “Tom” Galvin

On the morning of April 27, 2018, Tom passed away with family by his side after finally succumbing to a two year battle with bile duct cancer. Just under two years ago, Doctor’s told Tom he had six to nine months to live. Obviously they didn’t know Tom. For well over a year after the time they had given him, Tom lived a very productive life doing all the things he loved. It was only two weeks before his passing that Tom was mowing his grass and preparing his lawn for the summer months ahead. There were not a lot of things that were prioritized by Tom more than a beautiful lawn. His work always produced the best results and was always best in the neighborhood. His former nickname of “the Sod God’ was both a loving joke amongst his friends but also a well deserved moniker.

Tom was a graduate of Center High School in 1969. He went on to earn his Associates Degree from Penn Valley, and continued studies at UMKC. He spent the majority of his adult life selling for a handful of companies over the years. Tom was always a fan and advocate for the elderly and people having a tough go of things. He was always at his best when his family and loved ones were in their time of need. He had an incredibly warm and giving heart beneath his tough exterior. In addition, his front porch became a safe haven for any and all stray cats that roamed his neighborhood. He fought a hard and courageous battle against the cancer that was trying to take his life away from him. He was loved by most all who met him and he will be missed daily by his family and remembered fondly for being his very unique self. Tom Galvin was a true original.

He joins his mother and father, Mary Lou and Jerry Galvin, along with his aunts and uncles who all preceded Tom in death. He leaves behind his wife of 20 years Jennifer Galvin, his two sons, Daniel and Matthew, his three brothers, Jerry Jr., Richard, and Patrick, five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and last but not least, his beloved cat, Ember. We know he is in a better place and will miss and honor him always.
Tom chose cremation and there will be no funeral. A small gathering will be held for family and close friends to honor Tom’s life. In lieu of sending flowers to family, Tom would prefer to send a donation under his name to Wayside Waifs. http://www.waysidewaifs.org