Tom J. Ost

TOM OST Thomas James Ost, 43, Linn, KS, died in an automobile accident November 7, 2005. He was born October 31, 1962 in Kansas City, MO. He graduated from Bishop Hogan High School in 1981, with varsity letters in basketball and track. Tom also attended the University of Colorado and the UMKC. Tom married Lisa Wilkens on June 2, 1990. He loved kids, and he annually dedicated his time to Camp Merrytime, a retreat for terminally ill pediatric cancer patients. Tom had a special knack for customer service, working in hotel management and hospitality. His skills took him to a variety of locations, including Dallas, where he worked at the JFK Museum. Tom was widely known there as an expert in the assassination. Tom and Lisa relocated to the Midwest to be near family, and in 2004 moved to Linn. Tom was a Customer Service Representative at Briggs Automotive in Manhattan. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Tom had a warm, natural smile, and never met a stranger. He was a handyman extraordinaire, and an ardent KC Chiefs and KSU Wildcat fan. Tom was deeply devoted to Lisa, son Nick and daughter Samantha of the home. Other survivors include father and mother, Richard and Mary Ost, Colorado Springs, Co; sisters, Cathy Kirkland and husband Hamilton, Shawnee, KS, Rose Anne Ost, Colorado Springs, CO; brothers, Steve Ost, Prairie Village, KS, Edward Ost and wife Sheila, Overland Park, KS, Paul Ost, Aurora, CO; father and mother-in-law Dwayne and Kaye Wilkens, Linn, KS; brother-in-law, Scott Wilkens and wife Laurie, Linn; nephews Matthew and Alex Kirkland, Jacob Ost, Chase, Chaz, and Chandler Wilkens; nieces Rachel, Natalie and Nikki Ost and Chelsea Wilkens. Tommy will be remembered for his generous spirit and uncompromising integrity. Funeral Service will be held, Friday, November 11, 2005 at 10:00 at the Zion Lutheran Church, Linn. Pastor David Gruoner will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Casket bearers are Steve Beikmann, Todd Ohlde, Gary Edgar, Chris Wilkens, Jason Perback and Jason Denton. Visitation will be at the Ward Funeral Home, Linn, Thursday, November 10, 2005 from 5 to 7 pm. Memorials have been established to Ost Children Educational Fund c/o United Bank, 300 4th Street, Linn, KS 66953 or Camp Merrytime c/o Barb Van Thullenar, 2385 Cross Timbers Drive, MT. Pleasant, SC 29464. Ward Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Tom J. Ost, please visit our flower store.