Thomas "Tom" Lee Tush

On June 3, 2025, Thomas Tush, surrounded by family in his home, answered the Lord’s call to join him in his Heavenly Kingdom. Tom was born December 25th, 1950, to Tucker and Dorothy (Benjamin) Tush. Tom was a precocious youngster who enjoyed reading books, being outdoors, and playing with his numerous cousins. Tom’s time was often taken up with hunting, fishing, working for his uncles, and riding a calf he had broken.

Tom married his high school sweetheart, Janice (Roush) on May 24, 1968. For the next 57 years they built a life and family that fulfilled their original vows to one another. Their union was blessed with five children, Thomas Benton, Carla Irene, Howard Lee, Benjamin Roy, and their angel baby, Jeanna.

Tom volunteered for service in the U.S. Army (1969) and served three years including one year overseas in Udon, Thailand. He served in the 7th Radio Research Unit of the Army Security Agency while in Thailand. During his time in the service, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Meritorious Unit Citation.

Upon completion of his military service, Tom went back to work for Cities Service Gas Company which ultimately became Southern Star. He began work as a roustabout and ended his 42-year career as a heavy equipment operator. Tom had a work ethic that was second to none. He was also active in the company safety committees and was the only hourly employee to ever receive the President's Award for dedication to improvement of the company. He was a consummate “lunch box” worker who did what needed to be done, when it needed to be done, in the manner it needed to be done, all over eastern Kansas and northern Oklahoma.

Tom was dedicated to his community. He was a life-time member and past Commander of VFW Post 6397 and authored a column for the local newspaper called “Commander’s Corner”. He also served as a board member for Big Brother’s and Big Sister’s. In addition, Tom assisted family members and friends with food, money, rides, labor, or a place to stay when needed. Many may remember him dedicating hours of time and resources to the ACHS football team where he provided “Dog Juice”.

Tom has been known by many as a comedian, philosopher, storyteller, academic, family historian, farmer, friend, co-worker, Christian, and veteran. He was decisive, opinionated, and ornery. All of those things added up to a man who was dedicated to his family, his community, and his country in a colorful and vibrant manner. He is survived by his wife and his lady, Janice Tush, daughter Carla (Jason) Weaver, two sons, Howard (Dawn) Tush, and Ben (Renee) Tush; 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Julie Wight and Jane (Gary) Honn; the 7th Street Coffee Group, and many more extended family and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his infant son, Thomas Benton, angel baby they referred to as Jeanna, his parents, grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Garnett. A memorial service will follow on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the same location. A coffee reception will be held at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations can be made to W.I.N.G.S, the VFW Post 6397 or the First Christian Church of Garnett.