Thomas F. Angell, 75, of Buhler, died January 17, 2026, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita. He was born December 3, 1950, in Hutchinson, to Francis “Frank” S. and Norma M. (Scott) Angell.
Tom’s early education was in Kansas and the Netherlands, where he attended Dutch schools and learned to speak Dutch. He graduated from Centereach High School in Suffix County, Long Island, New York, Hutchinson Community College, and attended Wichita State University.
Tom was drafted into the United States Army in 1971 and proudly and meritoriously served with the 545th Military Police Company, 1st Calvary Division, as a combat MP at Ben Noa, Vietnam. At the completion of his tour in Vietnam in 1972, Tom was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Grounds and Edgewood Arsenal in Maryland. He was honorably discharged in April, 1977.
Tom worked at Hutchinson Correctional Facility for a short time before joining the Hutchinson Police Department. He filled various roles within the department until his retirement in January, 2001. Tom was given numerous awards and commendations throughout his career as an officer. He worked for 3 years for the Kansas Driver’s License Bureau. Part-time jobs included EMT with Reno County EMS, security with Dillards Department Store, and for Honda. Tom helped develop and instruct the Motorcycle Safety Program at Hutchinson Community College. He was a volunteer reserve officer for the Buhler Police Department, Buhler Volunteer Fire Department, a reserve deputy sheriff with the Reno County Sheriff’s Department, and volunteer instructor at Kansas Cosmosphere Space Camp. Tom’s favorite times as a volunteer were with the Reno County District Court as bailiff.
Tom’s family was most important to him. The annual family Christmas celebration was always at the house. He enjoyed going to various family activities and sporting events. Tom was always ready to help a friend and touched many people’s lives.
Tom’s interests were many and diverse: history, sailing, baseball, football, travelling and the most loved — flying. He was a certified flight instructor teaching others to fly powered parachutes. His highlight was flying a World War II Spitfire over the White Cliffs of Dover on Veterans (Remembrance) Day, 2024.
Tom’s other love was Collies, having a total of 8 during his life. His best girl, CeJay, was with him during the good times as well as his health struggles over the past 13 years. Always loyal, devoted, and by his side until her passing in October, 2025.
Tom met Joanne in 1979 and they were married on August 10, 1984, in Hutchinson. They enjoyed 41 years together as husband and wife as well as best friends. They travelled extensively, including all 7 continents, enjoying many, many experiences and adventures.
Tom is survived by: his wife, Joanne (Aitken) Angell of the home; daughter, Francine Angell-Holland and husband Jason of Wichita; son, Lt. Col. Brian C. Angell (U.S. Army Ret.) and wife Chrissie of Elizabethtown, KY; stepson, Christopher Ward and wife Julie of Overland Park; grandsons, Aaron Brooks (Sydney), Bradley Acree, Brock Angell, Chase Angell, Joel Ward; granddaughter, Autumn Ward; great-granddaughter, Juliete Brooks; and other family and close friends too numerous to mention.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Kenneth Angell, and sister, Ellen Angell.
Cremation has taken place.
Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Elliott Chapel, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard.
The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by clicking here. The stream will begin at 10:20 a.m. the day of the service.
Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays thru Saturdays until the service at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or Tunnels to Towers Foundation, in care of Elliott Mortaury, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.