Obituary written lovingly by the family of Thomas Kevin Kelly.

Thomas Kevin Kelly, 64, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on Monday, September 21, 2026.

Tom was born on February 27, 1962, in Illinois, to Lawrence “Larry” Kelly and Carol Kelly. Over the course of his life, he called Illinois, Nevada, and most recently Neosho, Missouri, home. He previously worked as a fiber optic technician and in a chemical factory, but work was only one part of who Tom was. Those who knew him best knew that Tom was always going to have a hobby—and eventually, that hobby was probably going to become a lifestyle.

Tom was passionate, curious, creative, and, depending on who you asked, maybe just a little stubborn. He loved figuring out how things worked, learning how to make things, and then doing them his own way. Over the years, his interests included building elaborate koi ponds, making knives under his own name, Lawrence-Carol Knives, and exploring just about any new project that caught his attention.

While living in Nevada, one of his favorite pastimes was riding his T-Rex side-by-side through the desert around Pahrump with his wife, Sara, and a group of friends who became a second family to him. Those rides, adventures, and friendships became an important part of his life.

After moving to Neosho, Tom’s creativity took another turn when he began distilling rum at his home distillery, The Golden Goose. He experimented with different flavors and took genuine pride in creating something that was uniquely his. As with so many of his interests, Tom didn’t just pick up a hobby—he immersed himself in it. The Golden Goose became more than a distillery; it was another reflection of Tom himself, complete with its own rules, sayings, and sense of humor. “Respect the Roost,” “Cube Me,” and “F.N. Tanner” became part of the Golden Goose vocabulary and will undoubtedly bring a smile to those who knew what they meant.

But for all of his hobbies and adventures, nothing compared to the pride and love Tom had for his family.

Tom married Sara Wolf on August 26, 2006, at Fox Valley Vineyard in Illinois and they just celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. Sara was his wife, partner, and adventure companion, and she shared in many of the hobbies, friendships, and experiences that made their life together uniquely theirs.

He was incredibly proud of his two daughters, Shanna Workman and her husband Mike of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Meagan Duncan and her husband Jason of Rogers, Arkansas, and absolutely adored his five grandchildren: Kiralee (17), Emmalyn (14), Layla (11), Bowen (4), and Cael (2).

Tom couldn’t wait to see where Kira would ultimately choose to swim in college, and he loved watching Emma and Layla compete in gymnastics. Bo and Cael’s antics provided a whole different kind of entertainment. He loved knowing what was happening in each of their lives and gave them plenty of reasons to keep him informed. His grandchildren gave him endless things to talk about, follow, worry about, brag about, and, most of all, love.

Tom also fiercely loved his dogs, who were very much a part of his family and daily life.

Those who knew Tom will remember his sarcasm and unmistakable sense of humor. He didn’t need anyone else to think he was funny—he could laugh at himself, and often did, which somehow made him even funnier. He was passionate about the things he loved, opinionated about the things he cared about, and never particularly interested in pretending to be someone he wasn’t. Tom was unapologetically himself, and that is exactly how the people who loved him will remember him.

Even in his passing, Tom continued to give to others. He was an organ donor, and through that decision, he was able to save three lives. It is a final gift that will allow a part of Tom to live on through the lives he helped save.

In addition to his wife, Sara Kelly, Tom is survived by his daughters, Shanna Workman and husband Mike and Meagan Duncan and husband Jason; his five grandchildren, Kiralee, Emmalyn, Layla, Bowen, and Cael; his brothers, Mike Kelly and Brian Kelly; and his sister, Donna Robinson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence “Larry” Kelly and Carol Kelly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.