Thomas Smith Hymer, 80, died June 15, 2023, at his home. He was born November 24, 1942, in Omaha, NE, to Glenn Wade Hymer and Wilma Ruth (Smith) Hymer.
Thomas was a 1961 graduate of Benson High School, Omaha, NE. He was the owner of the shoe store located in the Pegues Department Store, Hutchinson, KS, and shoe stores located in Wichita, KS, and Salina, KS, for nine years. He then became the store manager at the Pegues Department Store for several years, and then retired as the account manager for Verizon Wireless (formerly Alltel).
Thomas was involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Reno County and was a State Ombudsman. He was a member of the Hutchinson AMBUCS, Knights of Columbus, and Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson, KS. Thomas participated in the dental mission trips to Honduras, Costa Rica, and Ecuador.
He enjoyed learning new things and woodworking. Thomas learned to speak Spanish in his 60s. He was an accomplished and nationally ranked chess player and continued to play chess well into his alzheimer’s diagnosis. Thomas loved spending time with his grandchildren and family.
On April 26, 1964, he married Virginia Lynn Karohl, in Sioux City, IA. They shared over 59 years of marriage.
Thomas is survived by: his wife, Virginia Hymer of Hutchinson, KS; son, David Hymer of Overland Park, KS; grandchildren, Azarah (Michael Biery) Eells, Allison Eells, Jacobsen Eells, McLain Hymer, and Mallory Hymer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; daughter, Dianne Eells; and brother, Harvey Hymer and wife, Bebee.
Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Monday, June 19, 2023, at Elliott Mortuary, with the Reverend Dr. Kim Biery officiating. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2023, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 18, 2023, at Elliott Mortuary. The service will be livestreamed beginning at 1:45 p.m. on the Elliott Mortuary website on the day of the service. Cremation has taken place.
Click here to view the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Reno County or Hutchinson AMBUCS, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.