Thomas B. Stivers, Sr.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Thomas Bryant Stivers, Sr., a devoted husband,

father, grandfather, and friend. Thomas, 82, of Blue Springs, MO, passed away peacefully on

March 20, 2025, at Kindred Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August

29, 1942, in Louisville, KY, the son of the late Oscar Bryant Stivers and Emma Jane Boyd.

Thomas was a cherished figure among those who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was

marked by compassion, imagination, and love. His passing has left a significant void among his

family and friends, as well as others whose lives he impacted. He will be remembered not only

for his incredible achievements but for the kindness, laughter, and wisdom he shared with all

who knew him.

Thomas is survived by his beloved wife, April Elizabeth Stivers; his children, Thomas Bryant

Stivers Jr., Jonathan Baxter Stivers, Melissa Ann Stivers, and Jennifer Lynn Fisher; his

grandchildren, Hannah O’Byrne (Jordan), Jonathan Bryant Vince-Lynn Stivers, Sierra Stivers,

Lindsay Dube, Daniel and Jamie Love, and Brett Fisher; his great grandchildren Bastion O’byrne,

Nicholas Stivers; his brother, John Boyd; his sister, Delinda Givens; and many more cherished

relatives who shared in his joyful spirit.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harry Baxter Briggs and Della Mae Briggs; his

parents, Oscar Bryant Stivers (Juanita) and Emma Jane Boyd (Marion); and his brother, Henry

Alan Stivers.

After graduating from Fern Creek High School, Thomas enrolled at the University of Kentucky,

where he ran track alongside his studies. He enlisted in the Army on February 1, 1964, serving

six years in Radio Teletype communications and earning medals and badges, including

Sharpshooter, Rifle. He was honorably discharged on January 31, 1970.

Following his military service, Thomas began his career as an Inhalation Technologist at Baptist

Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. He pioneered Respiratory Care at Nursing Facilities before

Respiratory Therapy was established. Later, he relocated to Kansas City, launching respiratory

therapy departments in local hospitals and taking a permanent position at Research Medical

Center in Kansas City, MO. Thomas dedicated approximately 27 years there, working primarily

with pre-term infants in the NICU, training new hires, and orienting students. His expertise

extended internationally when he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan to teach hospitals how to run

ABG tests and properly use and care for equipment. Before retiring in 2015, Thomas helped

promote and establish healthcare unions across the country during his last five years.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Thomas enjoyed various hobbies, including technology,

beginning with the Commodore Pet computer and later developing software throughout his

life. He was an avid reader, often finishing entire books in one evening, and enjoyed genres

such as fantasy, history, science fiction, biographies, and medical journals. Thomas loved riding

and owning motorcycles, frequently taking family members on rides. He had a passion for

British sports cars, owning and racing models like Triumphs, Jaguars, and Austin-Healeys, and

spent considerable time restoring them. He held multiple patents and released some ideas

freely for public benefit. Additionally, he participated in medieval re-enactment through the

Society of Creative Anachronism, engaged in martial arts in armor, played instruments for

medieval music events, performed stage magic, went spelunking and camping, ice skated, and

enjoyed Disney, track, movies, and teaching.

Thomas' career in respiratory therapy was more than just a profession—it was a lifelong

passion that fostered incredible friendships and afforded him the opportunity to make a

significant impact on many lives. Almas Hameed Shabvani became an integral part of his life,

often referring to him as her “second father.” After she passed her boards, he reminded her,

“Remember we were standing right here when you said you wouldn’t make it.” Janet England,

whom he hired at Gardner Hospital in 1978, credited him for motivating her to earn her degree

in respiratory therapy, stating, “If it weren’t for him, I’d never have gotten the push I needed.”

They maintained their friendship ever since. Gayla Corley became a cherished family friend,

bonding with Thomas over their shared love of medicine, 4-H, and the intertwining of their

families’ lives. Similarly, Richard Evans, whom he met at Research Medical Center in the 1990s,

was both a trusted colleague and an adventure companion, sharing family camping trips with

the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) and serving as his partner in various endeavors.

Tanya DeVeaux, his NICU trainee at Research Medical Center, affectionately referred to him as

her “work husband.” Together, they shared a passion for NICU medicine and SCA camping trips.

Thomas also shared a special bond with his cousin and lifelong friend, Timmy Triplett, who was

more than just family—a friend, roommate, and like a little brother to him.

Thomas met the love of his life in October 1971 at Lum’s Restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky,

during a job interview. Their connection was immediate, leading to a lifetime of adventures.

Together, they explored caves, camped under the stars, and celebrated their union with a

beautiful ceremony at Spring Mill Park. On their honeymoon, they camped in their favorite park

and honored tradition by tossing a penny over the bridge, marking the beginning of a life filled

with love, laughter, and boundless curiosity.

Their adventures were extensive—from car racing and ice skating competitions to magic shows

and world travels. They traversed the sands of the Sahara Desert, rode camels, explored the

volcanic landscapes of Tenerife, and swam with a giant sea turtle, sharing laughter as it pulled

eight adults through the water. They even held a baby lion in their arms, experiencing a

moment of pure wonder. However, no place captivated their hearts quite like Walt Disney

World, where they created countless memories on numerous trips together.

Through their shared love of storytelling, music, and big dreams, Thomas and his wife built a life

full of passion and excitement. He proposed on March 13, 1973, and on June 23, 1973, they

embarked on their greatest journey of all—marriage.

Those who knew Thomas will remember his infectious smile, distinctive mustache, and

unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone he met. He had a rare

ability to make others laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. Thomas’s

legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the knowledge he shared, and the love he so

freely gave. His memory will be cherished always.

The Celebration of Life service to honor Thomas Bryant Stivers Sr. will be held on March 27,

2025, at 1:00 PM at Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens—11200 Metcalf Ave,

Overland Park, KS 66210.