Tom W. Van Brimmer, 82, died Aug. 3, 2016, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. He was born in Hoisington on July 6, 1934, the son of Willis D. and Opal (Sypolt) Van Brimmer. He graduated from Hoisington High School, class of 1952, and later attended Bible College in Oklahoma. Tom was a longtime resident of Hoisington with exception of time in Great Bend and Stockton.
He married Janice Boyce and they later divorced. He then married Christine Bobbitt and they later divorced. On Feb. 13, 1993, he married Karen Jones at the Vine United Methodist Church in Hoisington.
During his youth Tom worked in construction and helped to build powerlines. He was a parts man for Great Bend Auto and Supply in Great Bend and at Roto-Mix in Hoisington. His greatest love was the time he spent at the Great Bend Tribune as a photographer and reporter.
Tom was a member and a trustee of the First United Methodist Church, Hoisington. He was also a member of various service clubs and served as a City Councilman for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Van Brimmer; two sons, Bradley Van Brimmer and companion Fernando Gutierrez of Kansas City, Mo, Clayton Duke Van Brimmer of Hoisington; two daughters, Brenda Lancaster and husband Tim of Overland Park, and Robyn Dodge and husband Charles of Hoisington; a stepson, Bill Jones and wife Val of Parker, Colo; 15 grandchildren, Tate and Hope Lancaster, Austin, Zander, and Grayson Strandberg, Autumn, Austin, Andrew, Emily, and David Dodge, Trae, Elli, and Tommy Van Brimmer, Madison and Cody Jones.
He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Janice Van Brimmer, brother, Willis “Billy” Van Brimmer, and sister, Karen Kirkpatrick.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016, at First United Methodist Church, Hoisington, with Rev. Dr. Reuben Lang’at presiding. Burial will follow at Hoisington Cemetery.
Friends may call noon to 8 p.m., with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home*
PO Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 4, 2016