Thomas Harley Dutton, Jr. died peacefully surrounded by family at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas on Saturday, January 5th at the age of 78. Tom is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jamye Dutton, of Kansas City, Kansas and three children, Francyne Dutton, (David Dwyer)of Kansas City, Kansas, April Dohle (Thomas, Sr.), of Tonganoxie, Kansas, and Jeffery Dutton (Shawna), of Lansing, Kansas; siblings Diana Plant (Phillip) of Vacaville, California, and Mary Siska, of Mesa, Arizona; grandchildren Amanda Hopkins (Matt), of Lebo, Kansas, Justin Dutton (Beca), of Basehor, Kansas, Thomas Dohle, Jr., of Somerville, Massachusetts, Mariah Zazenkowski (Riley), of Junction City, Kansas, and Aubree Dutton, of Lansing, Kansas; and great grandchildren Brayden Hopkins, Brycen Hopkins, Layla Dutton, Brylee Hopkins, and Luke Dutton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Harley Dutton, Sr. and Pauline Marjorie (Peg) Dutton, of Dwight, Kansas, and brother, Karl Grant (Buck) Dutton, of Kansas City, Kansas.
Thomas was born on September 11, 1940, in Council Grove, Kansas, his parents’ first child. He graduated from Dwight Rural High School in Dwight, Kansas, in 1959. He attended Kansas State Teacher’s College (now Emporia State University). On August 26, 1962, he married Jamye Shaver, of Dwight, Kansas. While working as a teacher and coach, Thomas’ three children were born. In 1973, Thomas moved his family to Kansas City, Kansas, where he worked at Certainteed for 26 years. Afterwards, Thomas returned to teaching for three more years before joining his wife in retirement.
Thomas enjoyed the outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing and especially sharing those pastimes with family. He lived a selfless life and always prioritized caring for others. His kindness and compassion touched countless people.
A graveside service will take place on Thursday, January 10, at 2:00 at the cemetery in Dwight, Kansas, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall of the Dwight United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers please make a memorial contribution in Tom's name to: Dwight United Methodist Church, 501 7th Street, Dwight, Kansas 66849, American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.