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Thomas Wayne Unruh was born January 28, 1970, to Linda Sue Unruh and Tom Helsel. In 1975, Tom not only became a big brother to Ronald Francis, but gained a lifelong friend. Not long after, Tom and Ron were blessed when Donald Allen Unruh adopted and loved them both as his own. 1977 brought yet another brother, Jacob Allen, making it a trio. In 1981 the sibling tribe became complete with the arrival of their baby sister, Jessica Lynn.

Thomas, aka “Bonez” (a nickname given by Grandpa Schmidt), was a tinkering fool from the time he was little, even dabbling in inventing wearable wings. Mom just happened to be watching as he finished his invention, securely attached the wings, and took them for a test run. As he ran down the cellar doors, Mom said he literally “caught a little air”. 

Tom took pride in being a big brother, even if it ended in a few spankings. Ron and Jake rarely hesitated to follow in his footsteps. A favorite memory was the year all the boys got new bikes and trikes, and Tom said, “follow me”. They had a ton of fun playing in the mud, but when Dad got home and saw the bikes covered top to bottom, and the garage doors splashed in evidence, well…. Dad handled the discipline, Mom cried, and the boys responded, “Don’t worry Mom, it didn’t hurt.” 

Sometimes, however, Ron and Jake DID hesitate, like the time Tom convinced Ron that a drink he poured from a clay figurine bottle was Dr. Pepper. Ron, taking a sip, shouted, “You’re a liar! That’s whiskey!” Jake chose not to partake, and instead they went and tattled. 

Tom lived life in the fast lane. As a big brother he tested everything out, so his siblings didn’t have to. They learned what to do, and what not to do. Tom’s earliest partner in crime, cousin Rick, remembers the time he and Tom were driving around town and it started to rain. Wouldn’t you know, the windshield wipers didn’t work. Tom, being handy, said “I’ll take care of this,” then proceeded to roll down the window, crawled half-way out, and used his hands to move the wipers. The cops pulled them over and asked, “what are you doing hanging out the window?” Tom responded, “Well somebody has to run the wipers!” 

Tom had a love of classic cars starting with his ’57 Chevy, the car that introduced him to freedom—that is until an unannounced trip to Springfield to a prom his parents didn’t know he was attending, and the ’57 Chevy ended up on blocks — don’t ask Dad how… Tom passed his love of classics to his siblings just as much as his love of motorcycles even down to his little “sis.” Thomas never hesitated to take a cruise around town with her when she asked, and she could always count on a hug. 

Jelly recalls the time Uncle Tom and Uncle Ron were watching TV with her and both fell asleep. Jelly took full advantage of the situation to practice her nail tech skills, painting their fingernails a pretty pink. When Tom woke up, he just giggled and went back to watching TV as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

Thomas was very knowledgeable in the oilfield, was a carpenter, a welder, but his passion was engines. He could make anything run. Dad said Tom was a good worker. He enjoyed working alongside him no matter what was being done. 

Throughout his work life, Thomas spent most of it somewhere in the oil field. R & B Enterprises, KC Pumping, SAE Welding, Wildcat Drilling, just to name a few. Tom ended his working career alongside brother Ronald, doing carpentry and mechanical work. Tom loved working with his hands, was a great dancer, had a “catchy” laugh, loved fishing and camping, played a mean, LOUD bass guitar, was a GREAT big brother, and was a gentle giant. 

Tom was always there to help others. Whether it be home projects, mud drags, demo derbies mechanicing whatever was broke down, coming up creative solutions, or putting his personal touch on things, Tom was a jack of all trades, and generous with his talents. 

The happiest time of Tom’s life was during his relationship with Dorothy Liles. They gardened, canned, went camping and fishing and held BBQs for family and friends. He was blessed to experience a bit of fatherhood to Randahl and Jared. Sometimes people grow apart, but we are sure Thomas was thankful for that time of his life. 

Thomas Wayne gained his real wings May 22, 2025. He is preceded in death by his grandpa, Lee Unruh, and grandparents, Francis and Armella Schmidt. 

He is survived by his grandma, Marie Unruh of Cheyenne Wells; parents, Donald and Linda Unruh of Cheyenne Wells; brother, Ronald Unruh of Cheyenne Wells; brother, Jacob Unruh (Angie Lampman) of Cheyenne Wells; sister, Jessica Unruh of Burlington; niece, Jelica Kessler (Jacob Kessler) of WaKeeney, Kansas; their children (Tom’s great niece and nephew) Makenna Jay and Carter Allen; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Thomas Wayne Unruh was very loved and will be dearly missed. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4). 

Recitation of the Rosary will be held June 2, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart-105 W 5th St N. in Cheyenne Wells.

Funeral Mass will take place June 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.