HUTCHINSON — Thomas Ray Hammersmith, a gregarious and genuine personality who had the ability to instantly connect with others and never met a stranger, died Nov. 22, 2022, surrounded by the love of his wife and three children, his mother, his siblings and their families, and all of his friends. He was 50.
Please join us at https://www.elliottmortuary.com/obituary/thomas-hammersmith to celebrate Tom’s life by leaving memorial notes, prayers, photos, and other remembrances.
Although Tom’s life here on earth was cut short, his time with us was full of joy, love and creativity.
Above all, Tom treasured his family and loved his wife of 17 years, Megan, and their three children, Owen, Eli and Anna. Tom and Megan built a life together, focused on raising their children in the Catholic faith.
Tom was also a devoted son, sibling and uncle.
Tom’s faith was important to him. He was a member of Church of the Holy Cross and the Knights of Columbus.
Having had the challenge of health adversities early in his life, Tom was always ready to celebrate the joy of life. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his friends. He was up for a celebration anywhere at any time, but he particularly enjoyed time spent at the golf course, camping at the lake, traveling with his family, vacationing to Las Vegas with friends and family, watching football in his shop, playing cards and laughing with friends. The light in his shop was always left on because Tom was never too busy to welcome the company of family and friends.
Tom was born Aug. 5, 1972, in Plainville, to Alfred “Al” and Mary (Hammerschmidt) Hammersmith. Tom graduated from Ellinwood High School in 1991 and received his bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University. He was a gifted graphic designer and artist, who had a vision for anything creative. Through his work, he had the opportunity to use his talents to create custom designs for many local businesses. He was also devoted to the family business, joining his father and brothers at H&B Petroleum. His varied business talents impacted so many.
Tom is survived by: His wife, Megan Gottschalk-Hammersmith and their three children, Owen, Eli, and Anna, all of Hutchinson; mother, Mary Hammersmith of Hays; siblings, Joe Hammersmith (Karen), Mike Hammersmith (Angie), all of Hutchinson, and Sarah Balthazor (Steve) of Hays; mother-in-law, Midge Gottschalk of Hutchinson; sisters-in-law, Peggy Gottschalk-Rust of Hutchinson and Jennifer Lepentis (Bill) of Kansas City; brother-in-law, Mike Gottschalk of Minnesota; nieces and nephews, Mariah, Morgan, Alex, Becca, and Isaac Hammersmith, Philippe Manga, Sophia, Evan, and Lydia Balthazor, Morgan, Lauren, and Joshua Rust, and Eleni Lepentis; and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Al Hammersmith and father-in-law, Don Gottschalk.
Parish rosary will be 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, with Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, both at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Road, Hutchinson, with Father Aaron Spexarth officiating. Graveside service will be 3 p.m. at Saint Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will greet friends following the Rosary at the church Tuesday evening.
The church will livestream both the Parish Rosary and the Mass on their YouTube page, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc_FFDjkDo830LPwk7WR50g. The link will also be added after the Mass on Wednesday to the obituary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be submitted to the Eli Hammersmith Trust, in support of Tom and Megan’s middle child who was born with a developmental delay. The trust allows Eli’s family to advocate for resources on Eli’s behalf. Donations may be made payable to the Eli Hammersmith Trust and submitted in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Tom’s absence will be felt by so many, but his impact in this world will live on through his creative work and his loving relationships with his wife, children, family, and friends.
Well done, good and faithful servant. “I’ll leave the light on for you.”
Funeral arrangements provided by
Elliott Mortuary
1219 N. Main
Hutchinson, KS 67501
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune Nov. 27, 2022
