Thomas Francis McGuire

Thomas Francis McGuire, 90, of Kansas City, Missouri died Friday, August 29, 2025 at the VA Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Tom was the son of Alexander Felix McGuire Sr. and Nora Kathleen Schorgl and was born June 19, 1935 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Tom attended St. Elizabeth’s Grade School, Rockhurst High School and College, Truman State University, the University of Arkansas, the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He was a lifelong educator and served in roles as teacher, coach, principal and superintendent in various schools throughout the state of Missouri. Upon his retirement from public education, he worked with McLiney and Company in Kansas City, Missouri. Because of his fondness and fidelity to his Catholic faith and love of Catholic education, he volunteered regularly at St. Vincent de Paul Academy in Kansas City, MO and served as a weekly money counter for Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Redemptorist) Catholic Church in Kansas City, MO. He honorably served in the United States Army and was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Irish Catholic Organization of Kansas City, MO.

“Grandpa Tom” as he was known by his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, was truly one of a kind. He will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, legendary stories, and quick wit, along with his love of family, strong Catholic faith, and pride in his Irish heritage. He was an avid sports fan, with a deep love for the Chiefs, Royals, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Through coaching, he had a profound impact on the lives of many, and one of his greatest joys was being approached by former players and hearing old stories and updates on their lives and family. His memory was second to none, and he could recall information, names, and events from decades before at a moment’s notice, a skill he attributed to his self-proclaimed “silent but alert” nature. Although the “silent” had long been up for debate.

Although he was a proud Kansas Citian through and through, his life and work took him across the country and abroad. It was nearly impossible to reference a small town throughout the Midwest or southern United States that he hadn’t done business in or knew someone from. Some of his fondest memories centered around the trips he took with, and made possible for his family, including but not limited to Ireland, Washington DC, golf outings near and far, countless trips to Notre Dame, and the stories and his one-of-a-kind commentary that lived on long after the trips had ended.

Tom spent the last several years of his life living at St. Anthony’s Senior Living, a Catholic retirement community in Kansas City, Missouri. He truly enjoyed this final phase of his life and his long-time friend, Jim Koetting, who survives Tom, is also a member of the St. Anthony’s community. Jim was a loyal friend to Tom and is considered a member of the McGuire family. The two shared many good times and countless memories.

Tom was preceded in death by his infant daughter Colleen Elizabeth McGuire and infant granddaughter Mary Kathleen Ervie. His siblings that preceded him in death were Father James McGuire, Jim and Mary Theresa Boso, Hank and Jane Catherine Bourquin, Alexander Felix McGuire Jr., Louis J. McGuire and Sister Anne McGuire.

He is survived by his daughters Maureen Kruse, of Columbia, MO, Michele Behnen (Bob) of Kirksville, MO, Ann Weimer (Randy) of Salisbury, MO, Kathleen Ervie (Eugene) of Kansas City, MO and son Tom McGuire (Lisa) of Overland Park, KS. Grandchildren Dan Kruse, John Kruse, Megan Fainter, Madeline Burris, John Behnen, Joseph Behnen, Joseph Weimer, Maria Wyatt, Ellen Weimer, Michael Weimer, Clare Weimer, Olivia Ervie, Sam Ervie, Max Ervie, Luke Ervie, Kate McGuire, Molly McGuire, and the love of his life Rosanne McGuire, along with great grandchildren, Avery and Owen Kruse, Mac Kruse, Mary Lane and Hank Weimer, Ellie and Jett Fainter, Annie and Rory Wyatt, Patrick and Eli Burris and Presley Weimer. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Kathleen McGuire (Phil) and Marlene McGuire (Lou), countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

All services for Tom will be at Redemptorist Catholic Church, 3333 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111, on Saturday, September 6th. Visitation will begin at 9am, with the Rosary prayed by his fellow members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Irish Catholic Organization at 10am. Mass of Christian Burial will follow the Rosary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Redemptorist Catholic Church in memory of Thomas Francis McGuire.