Thomas Joe Lackey, 77, former resident of Parsons, Kansas, passed away Dec. 12, 2025, in Independence, Kansas, following a prolonged illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Dorothy Lackey; his younger sister, Judy (Lackey) Diver; and his second wife, Cheryl (Wilson) Donelson.
Tom was born July 10, 1948, in Parsons, Kansas. Known as “Tommy” in his youth, he was an avid athlete who played baseball, basketball, and football, with baseball remaining a lifelong passion. Due to his mother’s illness, he spent much of his childhood on his grandparents’ farm in Edna, Kansas, where he developed a love for fishing, hunting, and simple country life.
He graduated from Parsons High School in 1966 and attended JUCO and Pittsburg State University. After high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and later discharged due to a prior football injury.
Tom spent many years working in the graphics and printing industry in Kansas and Texas, where he was known for his skill, dedication, and strong work ethic. He returned to Parsons in 2003 and worked at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center until retiring in 2011, where he was respected for his patience and compassion.
Tom enjoyed fishing, the Kansas City Royals, the KU Jayhawks, pool, and time spent with friends and family. He was a devoted father and a loyal friend.
He is survived by his sister, Janet (Lackey) Thompson of Parsons, Kansas; sons Jarred Lackey of Sherman, Kansas, and Brian Lackey of Sarasota, Florida; daughters Amy (Lackey) Jackson of Lawrence, Kansas, and Lori (Lackey) Mullins of Sherman, Kansas; fourteen grandchildren; and his first wife, Robin Burgess.
A celebration of life will be held at Baller’s in Parsons, Kansas, from 3–5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10. Friends are invited to attend and share memories. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes shared memories.
