Thomas Duane Koehler

Thomas Duane Koehler was born on July 12, 1948, in Kewanee, Illinois, to Wilfred and Betty Koehler.

Tom attended Wethersfield High School and graduated in May 1966. Tom then attended Illinois State University from 1966-1970 and received a Bachelors degree in Agricultural Education. He asked Jesus to be his Savior at age 18 in December 1966 and became a Navigator, which is a college-based Christian program.

Tom’s lottery number was 14, so he decided to join the Marine corps instead of being drafted. He served 3 years in Yuma, AZ (1970-1973) and attained the rank of E-5.

Tom got his Masters degree in Adult & Occupational Education from K-State in 1978. He taught Horticulture at Shawnee Mission Northwest from 1974-1978. He then did brush hog work until 1988, then worked on construction from 1989-1999. Tom had a lawn service business until 2022, and he also did foundation repairs until 2016.

Tom married Mary Plahn on July 5, 1975. They had four children: Joy Slavens (Will), Lawrence, KS; Jean, Kansas City, MO; John (Heather), Denver, CO; and Jacquelyn Matthews (Alex), Rutland, MA.

Tom married Patty Mann Lourie on December 12, 2009, bringing two step-children into the family. Michelle Lincoln (Mike), Shawnee, KS; and Chad Reed (deceased).

Tom has 11 grandchildren: Colton (Brooke) of DeSoto, KS; Clayton (Reilly) of Baldwin City, KS; August Thomas of Denver, CO; Brooklyn, Bristol, Braxton and Brockton Matthews of Rutland, MA; Shawna (Adam) Humphrey and Chelsea, Tanner and Michael Lincoln of Shawnee, KS.

Tom also has five great-grandchildren: Easton Slavens; Beau Slavens; Parker, Emma & Brooks Humphrey.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and step-son Chad Reed. Tom is survived by his wife Patty, his children and grandchildren, his siblings: Andy, Kewanee, IL; Mary Garrett, Elmwood, IL; Kristen Parish, Kewanee, IL; and Nancy Swinderman (Todd), Palm Coast, FL. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Tom entered into his Heavenly home on September 7, 2024, with his beloved wife Patty at his bedside.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at the Shawnee Mission Baptist Temple at 3:00pm. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery