Tommy R. “Tom” Hizey

Tommy R. “Tom” Hizey, 84, of rural Galesburg, passed away at 3:45 a.m., Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin. Tom was born on December 16, 1939, at rural Galesburg to Roy and Eunice (Weirich) Hizey. He grew up on the family farm near Galesburg. Later the family moved to Galesburg. He attended Galesburg schools and graduated from Galesburg High School. He and Shirley J. Crawshaw were united in marriage on December 29, 1958, at Chanute. She preceded him in death on October 15, 2009. They lived in Augusta, Chanute, and Parsons before moving back to rural Galesburg where they established the family farm. Tom worked with his father in the family construction business. He worked for many years as a self-employed backhoe and trenching contractor, Tom Hizey Construction. He later worked alongside his son, Gary, and his grandson, Christopher, until his health declined and retired in 2023. Tom enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete in their sporting events. He was a fan of Kansas basketball and could often be found relaxing in his recliner at home. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and going dancing with Shirley. He was a hardworking man who passed down the value of work to his children and grandchildren along with other important values of life.

He was a member of the Parsons Elks Lodge No. 527 B.P.O.E. and was the second oldest member of the lodge. He was also a member of the Galesburg United Methodist Church.

Tom is survived by his son, Gary Hizey of Parsons; his daughters, Karen Sanchez, and her husband, Nick of Parsons, and Tracy Debald, and her husband, Sean of Parsons; his grandchildren, Christopher Shultz, and his wife, Elaine of Galesburg, Kayla Thurman, and her husband, Jordan of Parsons, Kevin Debald of Parsons, and Kyle Debald of Parsons; his great-grandchildren, Jaidyn Shultz, Wyatt Shultz, Keagan Heiskell, Karly Waun, Heidi Shultz, Jackson Shultz, Frank O’Banion V, Easton Thurman, and Kasen Debald; his brothers, Bob Hizey of Augusta and Ted Hizey, and his wife, Sandra of Galesburg; his sister, Judy Newberry of Galesburg; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Tom was preceded in death by his brothers, Don Hizey and Rick Hizey; his son-in-law, Karl Shultz; his brother-inlaw; Kelly Newberry and his sister-in-law, Virginia Hizey.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Parsons with Pastors Ryan Van Peursum and Taud Boatman officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery at Galesburg. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Parsons Educational Foundation for tennis facilities and programs, and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www. wallfuneralservices.com.