Thomas (Tom) Joseph Lavery, 93 of Baxter Springs, died Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin Mo. Born January 13, 1929 in Frontenac, Tom was the son of Joseph and Anne (Kelly) Lavery. They preceded him in death.
After graduating from Frontenac High School with the class of 1946, Tom joined the United States Army serving during the Korean War. After which, he graduated from Kansas Teachers College (Pittsburg State University). Tom worked for Prudential until retirement.
Tom and Shirley Kalusha were united in marriage April 17, 1971 in Baxter Springs. She preceded him in death.
Tom was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Baxter Springs. He enjoyed golf, fishing, his family, grandkids and his dogs. Tom was also a great lover of music with talent for singing. The quote beside his photo in his high school yearbook said: “Without music life would be a mistake.”
In addition to his parents and wife, Tom was preceded in death by siblings; Jim Lavery, Bob Lavery, Joe Lavery, Margaret (Lavery) Caruso, Mary Eileen (Lavery) McQuade and Rita (Lavery) White.
Tom is survived by; his son Mark A. Lavery (wife Julia A. Sparlin) of Joplin, Mo. and daughter, Kristi A Lavery of Arma. Three grandchildren Sara Jo Ambler (husband James), Seth J. Potter (wife Stephanie) and Jordan L. Potter.
Funeral Mass will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, March 4, at St. Jospeh Catholic Church, in Baxter Springs. Father Jeremy Huser and Father Chrysostom Ah Maung will serve as celebrates. Friends may stop by and pay respects throughout the day Wednesday through Friday morning. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.