Thomas Gerard Schandler was born on October 26, 1960 in Manhattan Ks. He was adopted into Eugene and Pat Schandler's family in 1960 from Catholic Charities in Salina, Ks. A younger brother,Jerald (Damien), joined the family in 1964. Tom attended grade school in Densmore and Logan, then graduated from Logan High School in 1978.
Tom attended Goodland Vo-Tech (in auto body restoration) after high school, then worked in Norton ata body shop for 10 years. When the opportunity arose, he began building bridges for Bridges Inc. in Newton, Ks.
In 1991, Tom met his future wife, Sue Dondlinger. Tom accepted Sue's two sons, Nick (7) and Jordan (3) as his own. They married one year later on June 6, 1992 at the Logan Methodist Church. Tom and Sue lived north of Logan until 2000, when they moved into town.
In 2008, Tom went into business for himself and ran Squeaky's Metal Polishing at his dad's farm. Eventually, he had to put his business aside, and help his dad run the family farm, amidst many medical issues of his own. Many of Tom's dear friends helped him out with the farm during those years.
The biggest influence of his life was The Free Tomorrow Motorcycle Club that he belonged to for over 40 years. Lifelong friends were made there. Tom was a strong presence wherever he went. Tom was a “renegade”. He lived life like he wanted! He did it his way!
Tom lost his mother in 2017, due to unforeseen illness. His dad, Eugene, lived alone out on the farm until February 2022. At that time Eugene entered Logan Manor, and Tom and Sue moved out to thefarm. As Tom's health declined, he relied on friends and family once again.
On August 11, 2024, Tom died at his home, with his loving wife at his side. Tom will be greatly missed by all his friends and family. Tom would want everyone to celebrate his life, not mourn his death.
Preceding him in death were his mother Pat and his brother Damien. Tom is survived by his wife, Sue; sons, Nick, and Jordan and his wife, Jessalyn; five grandchildren; and his father, Eugene.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 20, at 10:30am at St. John Catholic Church in Logan, Ks. Fr. Trinity and Fr. Kerry Ninemire will be co-officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 3-9pm at the Logan Funeral Home, with a rosary at 6:30pm. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow at the church hall.