Thomas Ross Williams Jr., 64, passed peacefully on March 19, 2021. He was born November 13, 1956 in McComb, Illinois, to Thomas and Marlene Williams and was elder brother to Dr. Ted Williams.
In his first two years of school, Tom was a cadet at the John Brown Military Academy in California. The rest of the time, Tom grew up in the Kansas City area. He was a lifelong fan of the Chiefs and Royals and spent his early years participating in sports and playing the trombone in jazz band. During college he was a camp counselor at the Heartland Presbyterian Center. He graduated in 1981 from Wichita State University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration. He enjoyed attending Wichita State Basketball Shocker games with his family. He earned his Master of Arts in Human Relations from Webster University in 1984. He dedicated his 30-year professional career as a Retirement Community Administrator to the service of the aging population in Missouri, Florida, Oklahoma, and Kansas. His last fourteen years were spent as CEO of Asbury Park.
Tom married the love of his life, Melynnie, on October 17, 1981. This year marked their 40th wedding anniversary. Tom was a devoted husband and father to three beautiful daughters. He loved his family and never missed an opportunity to support them at a sporting event, musical concert, theatrical production or other endeavors. He was a gracious mentor to three sons-in-law and a doting Papa to three grandchildren with another expected in August.
Tom was active in public service and civic engagements. He served his faith community through leadership roles in his local church and passionately supported missions, including participating in a trip to Haiti in 2016. He was an ordained elder in the church and he & Melynnie were charter members of the Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church in Florida. He served on the Newton Medical Center Board and was chair of the Ethics committee, past President of the Newton Chamber of Commerce, board member of Mirror, Inc., President of the Kansas Association of Homes for the Aging and board member and Treasurer for Leading Age Kansas. In 2018, he was recognized as Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen. As a member of the Newton Rotary Club, Tom served as past President, a Paul Harris Fellow, and was involved with numerous fundraisers including Meals on Wheels. He also chaired the Mayor’s task force examining the law enforcement faculties.
Tom was diagnosed with ALS in January 2018. Even after his diagnosis his faith in God did not waiver. His family and friends described him as strong, positive, unselfish, and courageous. He continued to inspire those around him and live his life to the fullest.
Tom’s legacy will live on through his family including wife Melynnie (Mikish) Williams; daughters Dr. Chelsea Thomas (Jarren Thomas), Caitlyn Williams (John Cunningham), Chandler Ochoa (Yordano Ochoa); grandchildren Owen Williams Cunningham, Jaxon Thomas, and Olive Williams Cunningham, and Baby Ochoa (August 2021); parents Thomas and Marlene Williams; and brother Dr. Ted Williams (BJ Williams).
The family is offering visitation hours on Thursday April 1, from 4-6pm in the parking lot of Trinity Heights United Methodist Church. Individual to-go slices of Tom’s favorite pies will be served. Masks will be required to ensure everyone’s safety.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday April 2nd at 11:00am hosted by Trinity Heights United Methodist Church located at 1200 Boyd Ave, Newton, KS, 67114. Masks and social distancing will be required for those in attendance. Please use church entrance adjacent to Trinity Drive. There will be an option for virtual attendance via Zoom. Please contact the church office at 316-283-6410 or email at office@trinityheightsumc.org to request virtual access. Nursery services will not be provided. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made in Tom’s memory to the ALS Foundation Mid-America Chapter, Newton Rotary Foundation or Trinity Heights United Methodist Church.
ALS Association Mid-America Chapter
3450 N Rock Rd. Suite 208
Wichita, KS 67226
Newton Rotary Foundation
PO Box 14
Newton, KS 67114
Trinity Heights United Methodist Church
1200 N Boyd Ave
Newton, KS 67114
So sorry for your loss. Your family is so sweet. I have always admired how close all of you are. You have my heart and my prayers.
Tom was a leader and inspiration to aging services providers in Kansas. We appreciate all his support and contributions to LeadingAge Kansas. He will be missed.
Tom was an amazing person and I feel privileged to have worked with him. I am deeply saddened by his loss! Melynnie and the rest of the family are in my thoughts and prayers. Godspeed!
Thoughts and prayers..old presbyterian manor worker.
Thoughts and prayers to and for all.
My heart is with you as you remember your sweetheart and father. A Texas-sized hug for comfort.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your precious Tom. May God be with you all during these hard times & give you peace & comfort that only He can provide. You are very loved in East Texas. 🙏🏻❤️🥲
We celebrate the life that was Tom’s and the exquisite difference he made in the lives of all of your family. May wonderful memories and God’s love help sustain you now and in the future. Know that you are so loved by your huge circle of friends. Love, Lorraine
There are so many fond memories of Tom for me. From serving as a Deacon with him, living across the street to watching you two raise your girls. He was a faithful, compassionate man. I will keep your family in my prayers and Tom in my memories.
Tom was a valiant warrior whose indelible smile always lighted up a room. His legacy is left in good hands.
Thinking of all of you today as you send Tom off to his heavenly home. Blessings and prayers to you
Hugs, love and prayers.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers…Tom always had a smile on his face when ever I saw him…will always remember that beautiful smile.
My prayers are with Tom’s family. Tom was a wonderful leader in Aging Services and mentored many through his service. He leaves a lasting legacy. May God comfort his family during this very difficult loss
Although I only saw Tom at SI conventions, it was obvious to me how much you adored each other. You both were always smiling, holding hands or would have an arm around the others’ waist. I am so sorry he became ill. I am so sad for your family. He should have lived for many more happy years. I really admired his strength and positivity. God bless you, Mel, and all of your family.
Tom was a one of a kind gentleman. Scholar, and friend! He and Melynnie are the epitome of a loving couple and parents to three beautiful daughters and families that made his life so fulfilling! Peace and courage to all of you during this time and beyond!
Deepest Sympathies