Thomas Leroy Metzler
Thomas Leroy Metzler, aged 72, died
surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 1, 2022, at his home in
Newton after a lengthy journey with cancer. Tom, a 1968 graduate of
Newton High School, married Aimee, and together they raised their
son, Scott (Robin). Known affectionately as Pop to his grandchildren
Zach Metzler, Tim Jeffries, and Emily Kepley (Andrew), and his
great-grandchildren Maggie Elizabeth, Allie Jo, and Bentley Thomas,
he was a hands-on grandparent, fully engaged in making sure his
family was happy, safe, and loved.
Tom served as a communications
specialist in the US Army, completing his service as a Sergeant,
before joining his father, Sam, as proprietors of Metzler's Service
Center, an iconic Newton service station. He retired from the Via
Christi healthcare system after working for 25 years as an
Information Technology technician, capitalizing on the ethics of hard
work, honesty, and service to others he learned while working on his
grandparent's farm in Colby, KS in his youth.
Tom was a lifelong learner and an avid
reader. He loved to collect and restore arcade games and classic
vehicles; fish for trout in the mountain streams of Colorado, bass
with grandkids in local ponds, and musky and pike in the wilderness
of Canada; and spend time with lifelong friends, especially during
annual June Boys trips to Missouri.
He was a dedicated brother to siblings
Phil Metzler, Sam Metzler Jr. (Patricia), Karen Schneweis (Bill),
Randy Metzler (Robin), and Anne Brockman (Jim), and he had a special
relationship with his many nieces and nephews. Sadly, he was preceded
in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Gina Metzler, and
parents Sam and Ernestine Metzler. A private family graveside
ceremony will be held, followed by a celebration of life at a later
date. Tom was a long-time supporter of St. Jude's Children's Hospital
in Memphis, Tennessee; memorial donations can be directed to
Petersen's Funeral Home, 215 N. Main St, Newton, KS 67114, in his
name.
