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RHEA, Thomas J., 58, born Nov. 4, 1953, died Nov. 6, 2011, after a 5 year war against colon cancer. It took his life but it never took his spirit. Tom grew up working in the family construction business in Salina, sold construction machinery for Sellers Tractor Co. and successfully built his directional drilling business, Sub Surface Systems, from the ground up before selling it and semi-retiring to ride to Alaska and other choice destinations. Tom was known for his story-telling, sense of humor, and being an all-around good guy. Whether he was on the job, on the pool table, or on the bike, Tom was loved and respected by so many for his talents, his knowledge, his wit, and, most of all, his friendship. He loved riding his Harley with his wife and friends and is on his final ride into eternity. One of his favorite mottos - “Everyone has his own throttle”. Tom is survived by his wife, Ann (Reinecke); parents, Kenneth and Dorothy Rhea, daughter, Amy (Cary) Wagner, all of Salina; daughters, Beth (Rod) Schmidt and Cory Rhea, Grandview, Mo.; sister, Glenda (Harold) Mutschler, Gypsum, Ks.; brothers, Greg, Anthony, Ks., and Tony (Anna), Solomon, Ks.; 7 grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers to Victory in the Valley, 3755 E. Douglas, Wichita, Ks., 67218, and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, Ks., 67202. Tom’s Life Celebration with family and friends was held on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the home.
RHEA, Thomas J., 58, born Nov. 4, 1953, died Nov. 6, 2011, after a 5 year war against colon cancer. It took his life but it never took his spirit. Tom grew up working in the family construction business in Salina, sold construction machinery for Sellers Tractor Co. and successfully built his directional drilling business, Sub Surface Systems, from the ground up before selling it and semi-retiring to ride to Alaska and other choice destinations. Tom was known for his story-telling, sense of humor, and being an all-around good guy. Whether he was on the job, on the pool table, or on the bike, Tom was loved and respected by so many for his talents, his knowledge, his wit, and, most of all, his friendship. He loved riding his Harley with his wife and friends and is on his final ride into eternity. One of his favorite mottos - “Everyone has his own throttle”. Tom is survived by his wife, Ann (Reinecke); parents, Kenneth and Dorothy Rhea, daughter, Amy (Cary) Wagner, all of Salina; daughters, Beth (Rod) Schmidt and Cory Rhea, Grandview, Mo.; sister, Glenda (Harold) Mutschler, Gypsum, Ks.; brothers, Greg, Anthony, Ks., and Tony (Anna), Solomon, Ks.; 7 grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers to Victory in the Valley, 3755 E. Douglas, Wichita, Ks., 67218, and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, Ks., 67202. Tom’s Life Celebration with family and friends was held on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the home.
