Thomas Joseph Harcar

Thomas Joseph Harcar, 73, of Tonganoxie, KS, passed away Sunday July 2, 2023 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

He was born March 16, 1950 in Streator, IL, the son of Thomas and Ramona (Kreier) Harcar. Tom attended Streator High School and graduated with the Class of 1968. He went on to play football at Joliet Junior College.

As a young man Tom worked with his father in the family construction business. He had also worked at a local glass factory in Streator before taking a position with the Sante Fe Railroad in 1972.

Tom married LaDonna Atchison on June 2, 1973 at the Reading Baptist Church. Tom and LaDonna moved occasionally as his job required; living in Illinois, Colorado and Kansas. His position with Sante Fe, later BNSF, began in Ft Madison, IA, then on to La Junta, CO; Chicago, IL; Dodge City, KS; including roles starting on the Lineman Gang, taking on further positions and eventually becoming a Division Lineman. After this, he spent years at the Topeka, KS office with the Department of Communications as a Construction Engineer. Finally, Tom’s career moved to Kansas City, KS where he worked in IT as the Senior Analyst and retired with BNSF after proudly serving 41 years. He was a member of IBEW.

Tom’s family always remained the focus of his life. He and LaDonna attended every event possible that included their children and later, grandchildren. He loved fishing, camping and spending time with his family.

Tom will live on in the hearts and memories of his wife of 50 years, LaDonna of their home in Tonganoxie; three daughters, Mechelle Harcar of Shawnee, Angela Dick and husband Dustin of Topeka and Tracy Harcar of Tonganoxie; three grandchildren, Aubrey Dick, Seth Rafols and Lydia Rafols; numerous extended family and a community of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Frederick and Matthew Harcar.

Services will be held at 3:00 P.M., Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home in Lebo. Burial will follow services at Arvonia Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Thomas Harcar Memorial (to further the education of his grandchildren) and sent in care of the funeral home at P.O. box #43, Lebo, Kansas 66856. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.