Tom Worthing, 75, died Jan. 21, 2021, at his home, in Inman. He was born June 24, 1945, in Goodland, to Augustin Dea and Ruth (Tauscher) Worthing. Tom’s dad died when Tom was only six years old, and his mother later married Dale Domeny.
Tom graduated from Wamego High School in 1963, McPherson College in 1967 (with his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics), and Emporia State University in 1975 (with a Master of Science degree, also in mathematics). While attending McPherson College, Tom was a four-year letter winner in football, basketball, and track. He received numerous athletic honors, being named All-Conference in football, as well as a two-year football captain, and co-captain of the basketball team his senior year.
Tom began his teaching and coaching career in 1967, at Inman High School. While at Inman, he coached football, basketball, and track. In addition, Tom taught mathematics and computer science. In the fall of 1984, Tom began coaching women’s basketball at Hutchinson Community College. For three years, he coached while still teaching at Inman. Tom eventually began teaching full-time in the Math Department at HCC. From 1981-1993, he was the head women’s basketball coach, and from 1984-2008, the track and cross country assistant coach. Tom retired from Hutchinson Community College in 2008, with 341 games under his belt, and as the winningest women’s head basketball coach. Currently, he is the second winningest women’s head basketball coach at HutchCC.
Tom received many accolades and honors for his coaching and teaching. In 2004, he was awarded the Golden Dragon Award for his excellent teaching and service to the community. In 2015, Tom was named to the Quarterback Club Hall of Fame at Hutchinson Community College for his leadership in building a solid coaching program. In 2016, he was inducted into the McPherson College Athletic Hall of Fame for his outstanding athletic ability as a four-year letter winner in three sports. In addition, Tom was awarded a “Master Presenter” by the National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development. He was also a lifetime member of the National Education Association, Kansas National Education Association, and a 25-year member of the Kansas Coaches Association.
Tom’s hobbies included gardening, working in the yard, woodworking, and Model-A restoration. He was a proud “Papa” to his five grandchildren, cherishing every opportunity he got to spend with them. Tom was a member of CrossPoint Church, Hutchinson.
On July 21, 1967, he married Connie Jean Dale, in McPherson.
Tom is survived by his wife of 53 years and caregiver, Connie of Inman; children, Amy Worthing of Inman, Laura Worthing Kwasniak (Babejohn) of Chesterland, OH, and Chris Worthing (Kelli) of Shawnee; grandchildren, Babe Kevin “BK” Kwasniak, Quinn Kwasniak, Logan Kwasniak, Brylee Worthing, and Cooper Worthing; a brother, Allan Worthing (Rochelle); and aunt and uncle, Ruby and Rocky Zeller, Topeka.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather; parents-in-law, Ernie and Helen (Burkholder) Dale; and stepsister, Dalene Hill.
Cremation has taken place. Private family memorial service will be held Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, at CrossPoint Church, Hutchinson. Private inurnment will be in the North Inman Cemetery, The service can be viewed at the bottom of Tom’s obituary on the Elliott Mortuary website beginning Thursday. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Elliott Mortuary.
Memorials are suggested to the Hutchinson Community College Endowment Association or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.