Thomas F. Doyle, 92, Prairie Village, KS passed away September 20, 2018 peacefully at his home. On Friday, September 28th, a visitation will be held at 9:30AM followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00AM at St. Ann Catholic Church – 7210 Mission Road. A luncheon will follow the service in the Parish Hall. Burial service will be at 2:00PM at Resurrection Cemetery – W. 83rd and Quivira Road in Lenexa, KS. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.
Tom was born on April 1, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Mount Carmel High School in Chicago and soon after enlisted in the US Navy at age 17 to serve in WWII. He was an engineer on a naval vessel and sailed the Pacific four years until age 21. He returned to Chicago after the war.
He married the love of his life, Helen Dorothy Clayton in 1947 in Chicago. They began a family right away, ultimately having eight children. After 8 years in Chicago, the family moved to the Kansas City area in 1955. After a brief move to Madison, WI in 1957, the family moved back to a home in Prairie Village, KS in 1960, where Tom lived until his death.
Tom had a successful career in the telecommunications industry working for AT&T as an engineer for 37 years, retiring in 1984. He then worked for Williams Telephone for 7 years until age 65. He spent the next 15 years working part-time for Catholic Charities helping needy senior citizens find jobs and housing in the Kansas City area.
Tom was a devout Catholic and active member of St. Ann Church in Prairie Village for 58 years until the time of his death. He and Helen put all eight of their children through St. Ann grade school and Catholic high schools. They made many lifelong friends at St. Ann and were involved in many organizations, clubs and activities over the years. He had a passionate love and devotion to his Catholic faith. Tom served as a Eucharistic Minister for over 15 years, ministering to the sick at hospitals.
Family was at the top of Tom’s priority list. He loved his family dearly. He was always there for his children and grandchildren. He would do anything he could, making many personal sacrifices to help his family in times of need. He wouldn’t have it any other way.
Tom will always be remembered for his love of sports, especially golf and his passion for the KU Jayhawks. He had a passion for gardening and he loved to entertain with talks of wartime experiences whenever he could to whoever would listen. He loved coaching his children in basketball and baseball. He loved the Kansas City Royals. Tom and Helen were avid bridge players, belonging to multiple bridge clubs.
Tom is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years Helen Doyle and his oldest son Thomas P. Doyle. He leaves behind (all from the Kansas City area) daughter Mary Sue Flowers, daughter Patricia Caldwell, daughter Kathleen Doyle-Rost (John), son James M. Doyle (Wendy), daughter Nancy Jenkins, son Daniel Doyle, son John Doyle (Debbie). Also surviving are five grandchildren Michelle Ryan, Laura Jenkins, Chris Doyle, Shawn Doyle, Jack Rost and numerous great grandchildren.
The family wishes to express a very special thanks to Kansas City Hospice who cared for Tom with exceptional compassion, understanding, and professionalism. We would like to extend a special thanks to nurses Judy, Neva and Tracy. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.
Condolences to the Doyle family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.
Dad, you were a prince. You taught me so much about hard work and being punctual. You are now with Nana and Tom Jr. Rest in peace dad you will always be missed and remembered.
On behalf of the Kowalski family, we send our deepest sympathy to the Doyle family. Our dad John Kowalski worked with your Dad at AT&T almost their entire career there. Our families went to St. Anns during the same time. Lots of great memories. Your parents are directly across the road from where our mother Marilyn Kowalski is laid to rest. You have a strong and loving family. May God bless each of you during this difficult time of healing. Respectfully – Kathy, Karen & Johnny (and our families).