GALESBURG — Tommy R. “Tom” Hizey, 84, of rural Galesburg passed away at 3:45 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin.
Tom was born on Dec. 16, 1939, at rural Galesburg to Roy and Eunice (Weirich) Hizey. He grew up on the family farm near Galesburg. Later the family moved to Galesburg. He attended Galesburg schools and graduated from Galesburg High School.
He married Shirley J. Crawshaw on Dec. 29, 1958, at Chanute. She preceded him in death on Oct. 15, 2009.
They lived in Augusta, Chanute and Parsons before moving back to rural Galesburg, where they established the family farm. Tom worked with his father in the family construction business. He worked for many years as a self-employed backhoe and trenching contractor, Tom Hizey Construction. He later worked alongside his son, Gary, and his grandson, Christopher, until his health declined and retired in 2023.
Tom enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete in their sporting events. He was a fan of Kansas basketball and could often be found relaxing in his recliner at home. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and going dancing with Shirley. He was a hardworking man who passed down the value of work to his children and grandchildren along with other important values of life.
He was a member of the Parsons Elks Lodge No. 527, B.P.O.E., and was the second oldest member of the lodge. He was also a member of the Galesburg United Methodist Church.
Tom is survived by his son, Gary Hizey of Parsons; his daughters, Karen Sanchez and her husband, Nick, of Parsons and Tracy Debald and her husband, Sean, of Parsons; his grandchildren, Christopher Shultz and his wife, Elaine, of Galesburg, Kayla Thurman and her husband, Jordan, of Parsons, Kevin Debald of Parsons and Kyle Debald of Parsons; his great-grandchildren, Jaidyn Shultz, Wyatt Shultz, Keagan Heiskell, Karly Waun, Heidi Shultz, Jackson Shultz, Frank O’Banion V, Easton Thurman and Kasen Debald; his brothers, Bob Hizey of Augusta and Ted Hizey and his wife, Sandra, of Galesburg; his sister, Judy Newberry of Galesburg; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to his wife, Tom was preceded in death by his brothers, Don Hizey and Rick Hizey; his son-in-law, Karl Shultz; his brother-in-law; Kelly Newberry; and his sister-in-law, Virginia Hizey.
The service was at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Parsons with Pastors Ryan Van Peursum and Taud Boatman officiating. Burial followed in the Mount Hope Cemetery at Galesburg. The family received friends Wednesday evening at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to the Parsons Educational Foundation for tennis facilities and programs, and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS, 67357.
Leave online condolences at www.wallfuneralservices.com.
