Thomas A. Schenk
May 1, 1948 - October 29, 2023
Tom Schenk, age 75, of Hays, KS died Sunday, October 29, 2023 at HaysMed, Hays.
Tom’s life was a miracle from the beginning. Born with a serious physical defect, he almost did not survive birth. But the faith and prayers of his parents prevailed, making him a gift not only to his family, but to countless children in Hays for many years.
Tom was the sixth of seven children born to Leonard and Hilda (Spies) Schenk. He was baptized at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays, where together with his twin brother, Tim, he also received his First Communion on their eighth birthday.
Parish life was vital to Tom, as it was to his entire family. He became an altar server and was exemplary in his fidelity to that duty. He attended Jefferson West Elementary School and St. Joseph’s Military Academy, graduating in 1966. After attending St Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, he continued working in the family business, the Hays City Drug Store, and when this business had to close, he showed his business acumen as he remained alone to manage the sale of whatever inventory and furnishings he could negotiate.
Later Tom worked in maintenance at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, and later at Fort Hays State University.
An avid sports fan, Tom had a particular passion for the Pittsburgh Pirates, possibly influenced by the Capuchin priests and brothers who were so much a part of his education and faith life for many years.
He coached little league baseball in Hays for 30 years, once promising the team they could douse him with Gatorade if they won the championship—which they did.
He endeared himself to a generation of children and their parents and was a huge supporter of Catholic Schools in Hays, whose students will always remember him fondly as “Mister Tom.” An avid photographer, he combined this talent with his love for sports by photographing sports events. He was often called upon to photograph weddings, and would willingly have dedicated himself more to photography. But poor health intervened, severely limiting his activities.
Tom spoke little but observed much, which enabled him to come up with the perfect gift, wisecrack or other detail for those who loved him. He seemed to remember not only people and details, but who was friends with whom. Being the only member of his immediate family who remained in Hays, he was able to keep his family updated with events and people that were important to them.
Tom’s family and friends give thanks to our Father in Heaven for his life and for what he helped to forge in each of us.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, November 3, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St Joseph Catholic Church, 215 West 13th Street, Hays, KS 67601. Inurnment will follow the Mass in the Parish Cemetery. Memorial visitation will be Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, KS 67601 with a combined parish vigil and rosary service beginning at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Thomas More Prep-Marian in care of the funeral Home.
Services by Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, KS 67601.
Condolences and memories can be shared on Tom's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.
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