Tommy Moorhous

Tommy Joe Moorhous passed away on October 8, 2019, at the age of 63, due to diabetes complications. Tom was born to Johnny Ray and Annette (Robben) Moorhous on September 19th, 1956, in Oakley, KS. Upon graduating from Oakley High School, he graduated from Colby Community College and Fort Hays State University, with a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts, a Master’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in History. After teaching one year at Osborne High School, Tom completed his 40 years of teaching at Barton County Community College and Colby Community College, teaching History, Political Science and Sociology. During this tenure, he served on the Colby Community College Endowment Foundation Board, the Lecture Series Board, coached the Quiz Bowl Team and coached the women’s softball team.

Tom’s life passion was educating, encouraging and inspiring students to strive for and reach their goals. He never turned away a student who asked for help. He was a private person, very humble about his awards and achievements and had a quick wit and great sense of humor. While at CCC, he was awarded the Tangeman Award for Teaching Excellence and was recently inducted into their Hall of Fame. Upon retirement, Tom continued to teach online classes for various colleges and volunteered his time and effort to the FHSU library and the Oakley Area Chamber of Commerce.

Tom leaves behind many friends, students and his family: siblings, Joni (Dave) Chalfant, Hill City, KS, John (Elaine) Moorhous, Oakley, KS and Lori Thornburg, Dodge City, KS; nephew Morgan Chalfant; nieces, Jaclyn White, Shelly Bridges, Aubony Chalfant and Veronica Thornburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Annette Moorhous and grandparents, Clarence Ray and Bertha Moorhous and Francis and Mary Ann Robben.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 13, 2019, at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 14, 2019, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley, with burial in the Oakley City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Colby Community College Endowment Foundation, for the Tom Moorhous Scholarship Fund or Oakley High School, sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com