Thomas “Tom” Michael Wasinger, born in Hays, Kansas, passed away peacefully after spending what he called a “perfect day” with his family. He enjoyed his morning coffee outside after sleeping in, swam with his granddaughter, shared stories over dinner with loved ones, and ended the evening with a movie night full of laughter sitting next to the love of his life, Barb, and his oldest son and daughter‑in‑law.
Tom was born in Hays, KS on September 9, 1951, to Francis “Whitey” Wasinger and Dorothy (Damico) Wasinger. For the first twenty years of his life, he believed his birthday was September 5th, as his parents had always told him. It wasn’t until he began applying for a passport that he learned he had actually been born on September 9th. From then on, he celebrated both dates every year: his “unbirthday” and his real one.
He was the youngest of three children. He is survived by his brother, Stephen Wasinger, and was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Riedel.
Tom’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara, and by his four children: Matthew Wasinger and his wife, Victoria, of Winter Park, Florida; Andrew Wasinger and his wife, Melissa, of Hays, Kansas; Anne Marie Hager and her husband, Garrett, of Hays, Kansas; and Mark Wasinger and his fiancée, Kristin, of Overland Park, Kansas. He is also survived by his five grandchildren — Gentry, Isabella, Grace, Michael, and Lily — along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Tom graduated from St. Joseph Military Academy (Hays, KS) in 1969, narrowly avoiding military service after a poorly timed poker day with his friends — a decision he always said he would repeat in a heartbeat. He then attended the University of Notre Dame, where he earned both his Bachelor’s Degree and his Law Degree. He grew up a devoted Notre Dame fan and remained one throughout his life, carrying that loyalty with him long after his years on campus.
After law school, Tom served under the late U.S. Senator from Iowa, Roger Jepsen, and remained in Washington, D.C. It was here that, through his friend Pete and Barb’s sister Cindy, he met the woman who would become his wife. After calling and inviting her to spend New Year’s Eve in Chicago with him, they fell in love. They were married on June 6, 1981, and from that day on he couldn’t be without his Barbie. She softened his edges and helped shape him into the gentle giant his family and friends knew and loved.
He returned home to Hays, KS, in 1985 to take over Ellis County Abstract and Title, becoming the third generation of Wasingers to run the family business – a business now run by the fourth generation of Wasingers. Over the years, he built a career that included rental property management, growing the title business, and a legal practice, supporting communities throughout Kansas, especially Ellis County. Clients trusted him because he treated relationships like commitments, not transactions.
He worked tirelessly to provide a life for his family that he did not have growing up. He was a source of guidance and wisdom to his children. He was Barb’s greatest advocate, celebrating every accomplishment and every election she won with unwavering pride. His grandchildren adored their Papa, and any time spent with them or watching them grow brought him immense joy. His contributions to his church, school, and community were often quiet and humble, done without seeking recognition. He was a pillar of his community, someone people relied on without hesitation. His presence, humor, stubbornness, and deep loyalty were unmistakable to all who knew him.
He lived selflessly, had an iron stomach that could not be stopped, both loved and hated being wound up in an argument or debate — leaving you exhausted regardless — and absolutely earned the peaceful passing he received.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church 215 W. 13th street in Hays.
Visitation will be Monday 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 7:00 PM all at St. Joseph's Church. Tuesday visitation will be 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM at Keithley Funeral Homes-Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Memories and words of comfort may be left on Tom's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com
Memorial contributions are suggested to Hays Catholic Schools https://www.hayscatholicschools.org/page/give-online or St. Margaret Mary School https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z9XE/campaign/C-13N1K in Winter Park, Florida.