Thomas J. Carter

Thomas J. Carter, 81, Olathe, Kansas, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2009 at Assisted Lifestyles of Olathe surrounded by his loving daughters.

Thomas Carter was preceded in death by his wife Lorene Cater (Miller); brothers: Donnie Hasselburger, Raymond Carter, Leo Carter, and Paul Carter. Thomas is survived by four daughters: Teresa Carter of Shawnee, Kansas, Deborah Riley, spouse David of Deep Water, Missouri, Diane Kraft, spouse Jordan of Lenexa, Kansas, Kimberly Burns, spouse, Joseph of Kansas City, Missouri; six grandchildren, Jacob Kraft, Jessica Love, Grace Burns, Leo Burns, Daniel Burns, Thomas Burns; 1 great-grandchild named Keagan Lanahan; and sisters: Helen Edwards and Bonnie Carter.

During Tom's youth in Kansas City, Kansas he was an avid baseball fan and player. Tom played for Bishop Ward High School, and was heavily scouted but injuries left him at the Ban Johnson level. His love of baseball kept him in the game as an umpire of various levels for thirty years. Tom was also a well known golden gloves middle weight boxer here in Kansas City. Tom joined the Army Air Corp in the waning days of WWII where he was assigned to the 2151st Air Rescue. Fortunately the War ended before the invasion of Japan. While waiting to return from the Philippine staging area, Tom used his boxing skills to fight in interservice bouts against Marines and Navy boys on regular basis. Tom was honorably discharged from the newly formed US Air Force in 1947.

Tom married Lorene Miler in 1948 and went on to have for beautiful daughters. Tom worked for some time at GM and other employers during the raising of the children but always as an umpire. He is in the Softball Hall of Fame in Oklahoma. The family appreciates the kind words and prayers they have received since Dads passing. To all who knew and loved Tom or PaTom as he was known to many of you will be greatly missed. Thomas was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the VFW (Shawnee Branch).

Memorial Service

A memorial service has been scheduled for a later date.