Thomas Ray Hamb

Thomas R. Hamb, 67, of McPherson, Ks, passed away on June 16, 2025, at his residence in McPherson, KS with his wife of 47 years at his side. Tom was born on July 1, 1957, in Baumholder, Germany, to Joe W. Hamb, Jr. and Lillian Morton Hamb. Tom said his mother called it “a hole in the mountain.” He spent his early years in various places due to his father’s military service from his birth place in Germany to Fort Polk, Louisiana, Augsburg, Germany, Fort Knox, Kentucky, Spangdahlem, Germany, Crocket, Texas, Fort Hood, Texas, Stuttgart, Germany and Moundridge, Kansas. Tom attended several schools and graduated from Killeen High School in Killeen, TX. He attended some college at Angelina College in Lufkin, TX. Tom said then “the Lord blessed me with an angel, Debbie Gatz.” “We were inseparable from each other.” They married on April 22, 1978. Tom worked as a truck driver for many years and enjoyed seeing much of the country. Tom and his wife owned Turkey Creek Bar and Grill for 17 years. After selling the bar, he worked for Hydrosearch for seven years. Tom was a "junker" and enjoyed collecting things. He had a soft spot for animals and in particular cats and kittens. He would feed the supper leftovers to the cats and the other animals outside; all were welcome including the racoons and opossums. Tom loved his close friends and family deeply. He took care of his aging in laws and was seen regularly with his mother-in-law rooting on the bullpups at McPherson High School basketball games or at any number of garage sales on a Saturday morning that her van "naturally stopped at.” He had a great sense of humor and often had many stories of how he lost the tip of his finger. He bet his great niece that she couldn’t tell him how he actually lost it, and gave her a $100 bill when she told him! Tom had a particular fondness for duct tape and was always active fixing things. He was so friendly, always willing to help, and had great stories to tell. He talked fast like his father, perhaps a Texas trait. Tom said that visiting relatives was one of the best parts of his life. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Lillian Morton Hamb and Joe W. Hamb, Jr.; his brother, Joe Steven Hamb; his mother-in-law, Patricia “Pat” Gatz and father-in-law, Frederick "Fritz" Gatz; and his nephew, Jacob "Jake” Rhoads. Survivors include his wife Debbie of the home; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mindy and Greg Rhoads of Marquette, KS; a niece, Summer (David) Olsen of Lindsborg, KS; great niece, Sophie Olsen; many cousins and other family members; as well as many other special friends. A celebration of life will be held at the residence at a later date. Interment will be a private family service in the Denson Cemetery in Grapeland, TX. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with medical expenses. Tom’s family wishes to express their gratitude for the many kindnesses evidenced in thought and deed.

Thomas Ray Hamb

July 1, 1957 - June 16, 2025