Dec 16, 1937---Nov 21, 2021

Thomas E. Lavin, 83, Olathe, Kansas, passed away Sunday, November 21, 2021. 

 

A visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m.with the Rosary being prayed at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 30, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park, KS. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. 

 

Graveside services with Military Honors will be at 1:30 p.m. at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kansas. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

 

Tom was born on December 16, 1937, in Seminole, Oklahoma, the son of Thomas and Margaret (O'Hara) Lavin. When his father died at a young age, the family moved to Parsons, Kansas, where he grew up and went to high school.  He then received a bachelor’s degree in education from Pittsburg State University. 

 

Tom served in the Navy from 1959-1965. After being discharged from the Navy, he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation serving as a Special Agent for 23 years, retiring in 1988.  He participated in a wide variety of investigations, including organized crime, the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, and the attempted shooting of President Gerald Ford by “Squeaky” Fromme. He was later employed part-time as a drug testing officer for the NFL assigned to the Chiefs.  

 

Tom was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Margaret (Dale) Neth. Tom is survived by his brother, Lawrence (Carol Sue) Lavin, and nephews and nieces Tom (Joyce) Neth, Lee Ann (Craig) Ring, Lawrence (Karen) Lavin, Jr., David (Caroline) Lavin, James (D’Lise) Lavin, and Anne (Luke) Wehrman.  He has numerous grand nieces and nephews and great grand nieces and nephews.



Condolences

Abby Wehrman Nov 23, 2021

Grand Niece ,Denver ,Colorado

Uncle Torch, What a fixture in my life you have always been. I’m so lucky to have had you around growing up and I’ll miss your forever. Love you always! Abby

kelly fornelli (Raynor) Nov 24, 2021

friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Tom, You were such a dear friend to my dad and our family! I have no doubt you and dad will share some FBI stories and have a few laughs! May your soul rest in the eternal peace of Christ. Kelly

David Lavin Nov 24, 2021

Uncle ,Wichita ,Kansas

Torch, you were always a great friend and confidante in addition to being a favorite uncle. I always remember catching and cooking those catfish at Lake Wakomas and your coming to Mayport to enjoy the dependents cruise on Antrim. You had a unique sense of humor and taught me how to laugh through any situation. Rest in Peace.

John Lavin Nov 24, 2021

Nephew ,Derby ,Kansas

Torch, Thank you for all the interesting stories and conversations. I will miss that most during our family visits. You were always so kind and showed interest in what all your nephews and nieces were up to. Thanks for making me laugh too. Rest in piece.

Marie Nov 25, 2021

acquaintance

I had a distinct pleasure of attending a few Holiday Dinners with Tom at a good friend's home. What an enjoyable time listening too his many interesting stories - a true gentleman who will be missed.

Carol Kanter Nov 27, 2021

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Tom was a fine man who served his country with pride. May he Rest In Peace.

Paul Scaletty Nov 28, 2021

Friend ,Parsons ,Kansas

I was his flower bay for his 8 grade graduation a St Mary’s . Laven’s were friends of the Scaletty’s in Person where we all grew-up. GREAT GUY

Jenny (Edwards) Groce Nov 28, 2021

I was fortunate enough to know Torch while growing up with Annie. I loved spending time with the Lavin family. Torch was the best - always so funny and interesting. I will cherish my memories. My deepest condolences and love to the Lavin family. Love, Stuco Jenny

Jerry Wiley Nov 28, 2021

Friend and contemporary with the FBI in LA and KC ,Fairway ,Kansas

I will always remember and appreciate Tom’s guidance and the sincerity he extended to me as a new FBI Agent. We worked together on a special assignment In the Phoenix Division (1974) and have always shared a rather humorous “Jimmy Cagney interview” when Tom paraphrased the famous actor and interjected … “you dirty rat you” into our conversation. Rest In Peace Tom, you’ve fought a courageous battle.

Bob Novotny Nov 29, 2021

Friend and coworker ,Louisville ,Kentucky

Tom was a good friend and I always enjoyed talking to him. What a character. May have tipped a beer or two. Condolences to his family.

Gary Reynoldd Dec 03, 2021

Cousin ,Ridgway ,Colorado

Kathy and I are sorry we were not able to attend Torch’s funeral. We are in San Diego visiting our daughter Jennifer, her husband Bill and their 9 month old son Brecken. I have very found memories growing up around Mike and Torch and remember going to lunch once with Mike and Carol Sue at the cafeteria in downtown Parsons. And Maggie, sort of my second grandmother. Love to you all, Gary and Kathy

Allen C. Close Jul 10, 2022

friend, vet, agent ,Oswego ,Illinois

I was in FBI class 80-18 where I met Tom who was our class counselor. I immediately took a liking to Tom; who could not. He had such a great , friendly, easy going personality. I was fortunate to have contacts with Tom over the years thanks to the internet/emails & periodic phone calls. He was always gracious in returning calls & emails. I knew he had some health issues & when I did not hear back after a few months I feared the worse. A friend/fellow veteran than lives in the KC area just sent me Tom's obituary. To say I was saddened at the news is an understatement. I will miss our talks & correspondence.

Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Address:
11300 W. 103rd St.
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66214
Date:
Nov 30, 2021
Time:
9:30 AM
Google Map:
Event:
Rosary
Location:
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Address:
11300 W. 103rd St.
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66214
Date:
Nov 30, 2021
Time:
10:30 AM
Google Map:
Event:
Funeral Mass
Location:
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Address:
11300 W. 103rd St.
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66214
Date:
Nov 30, 2021
Time:
11:00 AM
Google Map: