On Tuesday, January 11, 2022, the Trantham family said goodbye to their hero as Thomas R. Trantham, age 75, joined his parents (K.R. & Agnes Trantham), brother (Darrell Trantham) and sisters (Karen Brown and Kathy Lacey). 

Born on April 23, 1946, at his family’s farm near Sharon, Kansas, Tom attended and graduated from Sharon High School before joining the National Guard Reserves.  Tom later met his great love, Cecelia Kimball and they were united in marriage in 1967 and moved to Great Bend in 1972.  Tom loved hunting, fishing, helping the neighbor farmers and sports, which you would see him in the stand cheering even after his children graduated, but his most precious memories were those spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Tom was a true friend to many as he never knew a stranger and was always willing to go out of his way to help anyone in need.  Over the years, many miles were traveled watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports.  He always had words of advice such as, “If you can’t do it by midnight, you don’t need to do it”, or “If you don’t go 6 blocks out the way, it’s not an adventure.”

Tom will be dearly missed by his wife Cecelia Trantham, along with his sons, Dennis (Rose) Trantham, Timmy Trantham, a daughter, Michelle (Willy) Barber, grandsons, Tyler (Mika) Trantham, Travis Trantham, granddaughters, Anna (Rex) Hammer, Elizabeth Barber, Brittnee Barber and Skylar Trantham,  great grandchildren, Blaine Leon, Salena, Keaston and Morgan Isern, and Thomas Trantham, many brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, many nieces and nephews, as well as the many other people whose life he touched over the years and knew him as Papa Tom.

Per Tom’s wishes, cremation has taken place and the family will have a celebration of life service on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Victor Link presiding at Bryant Funeral Home .   In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to funeral expense, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 14, 2022