Obituary of Thomas C Bumgardner

Thomas C. Bumgardner, 92, of Coffeyville passed away Monday, December 19, 2016, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. He was born on September 9, 1924, at Winfield, KS to Henry L. and Ruth E. Bumgardner. Thomas grew up and attended school in Arkansas City, KS graduating from Arkansas City High School. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Navy stationed on the USS Mississippi. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy he moved to Emporia, KS where he attended Emporia State University. On June 5, 1949, he was united in marriage to the love of his life Dorothy Marie Wilhite at Emporia. Following their marriage they lived in Emporia where Thomas began his career in selling shoes with his father. In March of 1955 they moved to Coffeyville when Thomas started the shoe department at H.W. Reads Department Store, he later became a partner with Ed Neale in the shoe department until retiring in 1986. Thomas was a member of the First United Methodist Church, and a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1022 and American Legion Post #20, he was also a longtime member of the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce. After his retirement he enjoyed playing golf, but his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife Dorothy Marie Bumgardner of the home; one son Kenneth Bumgardner of Lawrence, KS; one daughter, Linda Ruth Steier and husband Edwin of Pottstown, PA; one granddaughter, Kathryn Welch and husband Jeff; and one great-granddaughter, Lauryn Welch. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Susan Maria Bumgardner, two brothers, Henry and Bill; and two sisters, Loretta and Betty. Service will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, December 22, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church in Coffeyville with Pastor Nicole Schwartz-Eck officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery with military honors conducted by Veterans of Elliott-Funston-White V.F.W. #1022 and American Legion Post #20. Friends may call on Wednesday, December 21st from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.