Thomas R. Ziph, age 75, passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2021 at the Providence Medical Center after a brief illness, surrounded by his family, he was cremated. He was born on February 8, 1945 in St. Joseph, Missouri son of Thomas & Lycena (Shawver) Ziph. Thomas married Brandon “Brandy” Smith on November 10, 1984 and together with their four children, they started their life together. Brandy and Thom were blessed with 36 glorious years together that included moving to Fayetteville, North Carolina and Savannah, Georgia in the funeral business. Thom attended school in St. Joseph, Missouri graduating from Central High School. He worked at various funeral homes in St. Joseph starting at age 17 with Meierhoffer Funeral Home. He attended St. Joseph Community College and later received his Bachelor’s Degree from Central State College in Edmond, OK and Wichita State University for is graduate studies. Thom started the Mortuary School at Kansas City Kansas Community College with his colleague Robert Todd in the mid 1970’s, he loved teaching and felt blessed to have the opportunity. While at KCKCC he was appointed to the American Board of Funeral Service Education that accredited Mortuary Colleges all over the county from the mid 1970’s to 1985. Thom worked at various funeral homes as an Embalmer and Funeral Director in Holton, KS., Wamego, KS., Porters Funeral Home, Johnson Funeral Home and various Missouri Funeral Homes. Thom loved the funeral business and missed working with families and teaching. He gave his families he served his full attention and made sure everything was perfect. Thom retired from the Funeral Industry in January of 2006, due to health issues.

Thom loved visiting with people and he never met a stranger. He loved all types of music and he enjoyed listening to his grandson Michael play his electric guitars. Thom spoke fondly of his coffee days with his friends Jim George and Harrison Hartly while they solved world problems. Thom was the family official grave decorator every Memorial Day, he would make the trip to St. Joseph to decorate family graves. Thom loved his Jewish faith, he spoke fluent Hebrew and attended Temple, Congregation B'nai Jehudah and Temple Beth Shalom.

Thom was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Brandon “Brandy” (Smith) Ziph of the home, Their children Sean (Colleen) Ziph of Kansas City, Missouri, Matthew (Heather) Ziph of St. Joseph, MO., Lindsey (Mike) Whitney of Basehor, KS., and Amanda Hursh of Olathe, KS., one sisters Mary Jo Reser of San Antonio, Texas. Ten Grandchildren: Norah, Michael, Moriah, Ashley J., Adam, Spencer, Kainen, Erin, Carson and Ava. Three Grandchildren: Olivia Coulter and Braxton. Lastly his four dogs: Tucker, Dixie, Willow and Bruno.

Thom’s family would like to offer a sincere thank you to the following: Bonner Springs Ambulance, Police Department and Fire Department, Carter Home Health, Providence Medical Center Emergency Department, ICU, CVICO and the nurses who cared for him on the 5th floor, finally Vitas Hospice and Rabi Klein.

His family suggests memorial contributions to the ASPCA or the Bonner Springs Animal Rescue.

Due to Covid-19, and to protect his family and friends, his family will be planning a Memorial Service sometime in the spring.

*Update* Visitation will be 10-11am, followed by the Memorial Service at 11am, both Friday, May 14th, 2021 at the Alden-Harrington Funeral Home.

Arrangements:
Alden-Harrington Funeral Home
913-422-4074