Thomas Liming Adams, Age: 66
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Oct 18, 1955---May 16, 2022

Thomas Liming Adams, 66, of Olathe, Kansas entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, May 16, 2022 at his home in Olathe, Kansas.  He was welcomed into this world October 18, 1955 in Greenwood, Mississippi by his loving parents, John Helms, Sr., and Joyce Marie (Liming) Adams, and his older brother, John Helms Adams, Jr.

Religion was always an important part of Tommy’s life.  Grandson of a Methodist minister, he grew up going to church.  After a short detour - he found his way back to church - he especially enjoyed his Sunday School Class and the friendships that were formed.  He was a trained Stephen Minister, enjoyed performing drama skits and readings and had served on many committees.

Tommy was an Eagle Scout, graduated from Northeast High School, Little Rock, Arkansas in 1973; and Hendrix College, Conway, Arkansas in 1977.

He began working for St. Paul Insurance May 1, 1978.  They merged with Travelers Insurance in 2005 where Tom continued working until his retirement, March 31, 2022.  Tom was well respected in his field, mentoring many during his years in the insurance industry.

Tommy’s love of his life was Tonya, whom he married in 2003 creating a large and loving blended family.  Tom and Tonya were soulmates which was evident by all who knew them.

He was a very proud Dad to Scott and Morgan; a bonus Dad to Thomas and Matthew, the love for his family was unparalleled and ever-growing.  Those growing families gave him six beautiful Grand’s, and two Great-Grand’s. 

At an early age, he taught the Grand’s how to “Call the Hogs”, “Orange IS the best color”, “Opa doesn’t make sandwiches”, and “Opa is a handsome man””.  His wry sense of humor was always present.  One of his passions was music, everything from rock ’n roll to reggae to rhythm & blues and everything in-between.  He loved introducing the Grand’s to music - Bob Marley at bedtime, driving to school with James Brown, and dancing to the Hickoids. 

He enjoyed watching old tv shows and movies, listening to music, and reading.  Taking photos and videos - sometimes to the dismay of the Grand’s, was enamored with the Wizard of Oz (he had his own Christmas Tree with only Wizard of Oz ornaments), he had an ongoing love affair with Marilyn Monroe, loved to travel and was always looking forward to his next adventure.  He and Tonya took some amazing trips around the world and he always looked forward to the annual trip with the Grand’s.

Tommy is preceded in death by his parents, John and Joyce, and his brother Johnny  He is survived by his wife Tonya; his children, Scott (Jerri) Adams, Morgan (Stewart) Anderson, Thomas (Brindy) Nichols, and Matthew Nichols; Grand’s, Kelli, Jonathan, Ayden, Carson, Stephanie and Danny; Great-Grand’s Micah and Jenesis; and sister-in-law Rhonda Adams.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Lenexa United Methodist Church, 9138 Caenen Lake Road, Lenexa, Kansas.  Family will receive friends from 8:30 - 10:00 with the service immediately after.  He will be laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS

In lieu of flowers, a memorial in his honor has been established with the radio station at Hendrix College where Tom was a DJ during his college years.  Donations may be sent to: Hendrix College; Office of Development/KHDX; 1600 Washington Avenue; Conway, Arkansas 72032.  Please put KHDX on the note line.

 

 


Condolences

Lynn McCord May 18, 2022

coworker ,New Braunfels, TX ,Texas

Tom will be terribly missed. He was a pleasure to work with and challenged me always to be better. Praying for you all. Lynn

Elaine Reynolds May 18, 2022

Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

Tom is a man of substance. His tribe will miss him sorely. My life has been enriched knowing Tom and Tonya. They are an example of what love and marriage should be. I pray for Tonya's strength in the times to come.

Cathy and Brandon Cooper May 18, 2022

Friend ,Evans ,Georgia

Are hearts are so heavy for all of you. The one thought I had when I heard was how great of a reunion Steve and Tommie had. May you feel Gods presence during this time. Carhy

Debbie Dickinson May 19, 2022

Work ,Middleburg Heights ,Ohio

I have worked with Tom for many years at Travelers. He was always a pleasure to spend time with, he was funny, smart and just an all around great guy! He talked of his family often and enjoyed his time with them. He loved them dearly and I know his family loved him too. I know we aren't supposed to question God, but we do wonder why take someone as great as Tom when there are so many bad people in the world. Keep the faith though, it will help you get through this difficult time. Remember all the good times. I will miss him dearly. Debbie

Billy and Lisa Justus May 19, 2022

Friends ,Southport ,North Carolina

We are extremely grateful to have met Tom (and Tonya) as neighbors. We became friends and thoroughly enjoyed every time we were together. Tom had a great - and a bit warped - sense of humor. He and Tonya demonstrated the wonders of having met that special person you wanted to spend your life with. They both took exceptional care of each other. It was always a pleasure to be with the two of them. We will miss Tom, his smile and easy-going personality.

Kyal Strozier May 19, 2022

Friend ,Buford ,Georgia

Family, please know that I will truly miss Tom, as I am sure you have and will hear this a lot during the next several days. He was a delightful person in every regard, and working with him was an absolutely joy. I first starting working with him in 1998, and then I left the company to pursue other career endeavors. When I returned in 2014 and heard his voice again on a conference call, I called him and we quickly caught up. He was the same Tom - what a joy. The world was just a bit better with him in it; and again, I, like countless others, will miss him. Kyal Strozier

Sheri Jahnke May 19, 2022

Co-worker

Sending Tom’s family my thoughts and prayers. Tom and I met around 1992 when working in the same department at The St. Paul. We both stayed with that department for many years and I always enjoyed our conversations and interactions. Such a wonderful man and so funny. He will be missed.

Belinda Berry May 20, 2022

Professional ,Garden City ,Kansas

Tom was a wonderful mentor and such a valuable resource. I worked with Tom through agent/carrier relationship for over 30 years. He was the best of the best in the insurance industry. Going to miss you Tom!

Bruce Sharer May 20, 2022

Coworker/Friend ,Lakewood ,Washington

I first met Tommy when he transferred from the St Paul Co. Birmingham office to our Kansas City office circa 1979. He was a true Southern Gentleman and we stayed lifelong friends. We went to many Indy 500 events and to concerts together as well. We saw each other on an off over the years at work events after Sue and I left Kansas City. After I retired, Tommy and Tonya visited us at our cabins in WA state a couple of times. I visited them in Kansas City a few years ago as well. Tommy loved his kids and grandkids. The love of his life was Tonya; she brought so much love, happiness, friendship and sense of purpose to his life. Sue and I are better people for knowing Tommy and being his friend for many years. Love to Tonya and the entire crew. I like to think Tommy is enjoying seeing his Dad, Mom and Brother again. Rock on Tommy!

Matthew Nichols May 22, 2022

Son ,Wichita ,Kansas

Hello all,      It is sad tidings to hear of Tom's passing.  He is loved and missed.  The story I received is that Thomas Alan called Gary sometime on Thursday the 19th; Gary shared the news with me about 11:55 p.m. on Saturday the 21st saying he forgot...  Had I known I would have come.  As it is, I googled the news to read the obituary and found the facebook video of the service to watch.  It was a nice service though I'm surprised that there weren't more photos.  I recall taking some of them.  It was said in the service that Tom picked most of those photos...was he ill leading up to his passing?      I believe Tom to have been a great man among men.  Patient, thoughtful, considerate, helpful, ...seemingly always ready with a quip, seemingly always in good spirits.  I can't say I ever saw or heard Tom be cross or less than respectful with anyone even when having cause to be.  Class is an apt word to describe Tom.  I found it interesting that Tom was a Sunday school teacher at some point...  Undoubtedly Tom was one of the better people I have met in life, I believe him to be a better person and father than Gary who raised Thomas and me.      I have been absent for I don't even know how long... I hope you are all well.  I am sad to miss the children growing.  For the most part I chose to be so in order to alleviate stress and triggers; and, to better sort out my symptoms of post-concussion syndrome, spinal stenosis, cte, etc. that saw me medically retired eleven years ago.  I do not have phone numbers or addresses for any of you;  I believe a certain young lady had her number blocked for a group text debacle some time back lol.  I can be reached at 82sasquatchks@gmail or (316) 992-6780.      Take care all,     - Matthew

Pete & Terry Marks May 23, 2022

Friends of the family ,Travelers Rest ,South Carolina

We will miss Tom on our visits to Kansas. His humor, his giving nature and his conversations. So glad that we had the pleasure to know him. He left wonderful memories for those of us still here. So it's not good-bye, it's "so you later". Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
Lenexa United Methodist Church
Address:
9139 Caenen Lake Road
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
May 21, 2022
Time:
8:30 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map
Event:
Funeral Service
Location:
Lenexa United Methodist Church
Address:
9139 Caenen Lake Road
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
May 21, 2022
Time:
10:00 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map