Thomas Ray Edmondson, Sr.

Apr 28, 2022 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2022 | 2 comments

Thomas Ray Edmondson Sr., son of Thomas Raymond Edmondson and Violet Amanda (Wilson) Edmondson, was born February 20^th, 1932, in Kansas City, Kansas. Thomas passed at his home on beautiful sunny day in Liberty, MO and joined his Heavenly Father on April 23, 2022, at the age of 90.

Thomas Edmondson attended East High School, and then worked at BMA (Businessmen’s Assurance) Company, KCMO. In 1950 he chose to serve his Country in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Germany and France. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and was presented with the National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Occupational Medal (Germany).

He returned home from the service where he continued to work at BMA as Claims Manager. There he met the Love of his Life Karla Mae (Phillips) Blaine and whispered in her ear while dancing at the yearly company event, “I sure do like you”. From that moment on they were inseparable and married in 1956 at Unity on the Plaza and thus began their legacy.

Thomas had many passions…he loved to golf with his buddies and go fishing in Minnesota and at his Lake home in the Ozarks. His lake house was his favorite get-away with his family, where he water skied like a champ. He and his family loved to bowl, play tennis and swim. His was loyal to the KC Chiefs and Royals as well as the KC Kings and Scouts. He was so thrilled to see a 2nd World Series and Superbowl. He never missed a Western and loved watching movies, especially the good ‘ole black and white films. He was full of humor and loved a good joke. Thomas loved the Eagles, Carly Simon, Reba McIntire, Shania Twaine and loved to dance with his wife in the kitchen and go 2 stepping. He mentored and endlessly played with his grandchildren and “taught them everything they know”, as they will tell you with endless stories.

Thomas continued to work in insurance as a claims manager for Interstate Old Security, Forrest T Jones and SBSI until retirement at the age of 65. He volunteered up into his late 80’s as an AARP Tax preparer, Hodge Park Golf Marshal, and registrar at his local Liberty voting site.

Thomas was a man of GOD, strong and faithful, dedicated and committed to his family that he loved with all his heart and soul. His final words were those to GOD…….”Pray for my Salvation, Praise GOD, GOD IS GOOD, ALL the time.”

Thomas is survived by his loving wife Karla Mae (Phillips-Blaine) Edmondson (84) his 3 children, son Thomas Ray Edmondson Jr. (64), Brian Keith Edmondson (62) and his and daughter Laura Suzanne Edmondson-Foster (54).

Thomas was blessed with 6 grandchildren, Thomas Ray Edmondson III (43), Cristie Colleen Edmondson (41) and Blaine Charles Edmondson (29), children of Thomas Jr and late Mary Catherine (Coughlin) Edmondson and Logan Suzanne Foster (25), Twins Kennadi Mae and Coleton Phillip Foster (21) children of Laura and Robert Foster.

The blessings continued with 5 great grandchildren, Izabella Marie Edmondson (11) daughter of Thomas III; Audrey Susan Schmidt-Kipp (26), Lily Catherine Kipp (10) and Sydney Colleen Kipp (8) daughters of Cristie and Mark Kipp; and baby Weston Ray Phillip King (expected May 2022) child of Logan and Mason King.

Memorial services will be held on May 5^th, 2022 at Unity of Kansas City North, 1000 NE Barry Rd., Kansas City, MO 64155. Visitation at 5:00pm, service will begin at 5:55pm and conclude with Military Honors (reception immediately following memorial service). In lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Veterans Community Project at or www.veteranscommunityproject.org/give . Please reference Thomas Ray Edmondson.

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Mary Rossiter

10 months ago

I had the honor to be one of Mr. Thomas’s caregivers. I’m grateful we had a amazing day Friday April 22nd. He complimented my knowledge of how to cook, bacon, over hard eggs and a bear claw. As well as juice and coffee. I enjoyed listening to him talk about his life. We were making plans to sit on the patio once it warmed up. He was a gentleman and I will miss his smile most of all ?
Bless your family at this time. I’ll keep you in my prayers.

Brian

9 months ago

Daddy, I miss you so much. I can’t believe we cannot discuss the KC Chiefs or the Royals anymore. Very saddened that you are in Heaven, but happy for you that you have a new body with NO illness, sickness or injuries. I can’t wait to reunite with you Dad in Heaven and with all of our family in due time. Please keep trying to reach out and leave me messages or signs that you are there and that you can hear our thoughts and prayers. Love you so much Father!

Kind Words

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MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

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Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

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