Thomas Eugene "Tom" Leikam

Thomas Eugene “Tom” Leikam passed away on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas at the age of 57. He was born on December 6, 1960 in Plainville, Kansas to the late Alvin and Lucille (Schrandt) Leikam. He grew up in the Plainville area and graduated from Plainville High School with the Class of 1978. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in journalism and communication from Kansas State University. Tom was a kind-hearted “generous to a fault” kind of guy. He didn’t speak ill of other people and was always willing to help out and take care of friends and neighbors. He was instrumental in helping the KSU campus become more “accessible” and went to Washington DC when the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. He was a hardworking man and spent most of his working years in the oilfield. He also loved farming and being outdoors. From hunting and fishing to photography and drawing, animals and nature were a constant source of inspiration and comfort to him. Tom loved the arts and music. He played guitar, on demand could hammer out his own version of any song on the piano along with his own lyrics, and even worked as a DJ during his college days. Always the life of the party, hanging out with Tom meant there was never a dull moment. He also enjoyed classic muscle cars and motorcycles, especially Harleys. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and served on the Board of Directors for LINK (Living Independently in NW Kansas). Tom is survived by his brother Joe Leikam and wife Angela of Plainville; sisters Anita Taylor and husband Duane of Chandler, AZ, Bernadette Gardner of Phoenix, AZ, and Susanne Moore and husband Russell of Scottsdale, AZ; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Lucille Leikam, and brother Alvin Gregory Leikam, Jr. It has been said, “Life is like a party. You invite a lot of people, some leave early, others stay late, some laugh with you, and some laugh at you. But in the end, after the fun, there are a few who help clean up the mess, and usually they are not even the ones who made the mess. These are your true friends.” Tom loved the party we call life, he lived it on his own terms, and was a true friend to all who knew him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Monday, June 11, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00pm on Sunday at the funeral home with a prayer vigil at 7:00pm. Family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00pm.