Thomas Edward Raab

Thomas Edward Raab passed away on January 7, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 17th at Guardian Angels Church. Visitation will be from 10am to 11am. Mass will start at 11am and there will be a small gathering in the parish hall after the conclusion of church services. (Guardian Angels Church 1310 Westport Road Kansas City, MO 64111) We also encourage anyone to join members of the family for a celebration of life at Westport Flea Market from 4pm to 11pm. The family is excited to see anyone that can attend, please note, this event is “no-host” and those that join will be able to order their own food and drinks. (Westport Flea Market 817 Westport Road Kansas City, MO 64111) Thomas (Tom) was born on June 18, 1962, in Kansas City, MO to Louis and Kathryn Raab. Being the last of five children, he was affectionately referred to as the “caboose.” While babied by his sister Joanie, Tom remained the rambunctious little brother to Mark, Steve, and Mike. As a youth, Tom’s days were filled with riding his bike, playing tennis, and running around the neighborhood with his brothers and friends. He attended Guardian Angels elementary school and would go on to graduate from Rockhurst High School. He then attended The University of Kansas and pledged to Pi Kappa Alpha (Pikes), the same fraternity as his brothers. Tom went on to join his father and brothers in the family business, Raab Sales. He was a natural salesman; traveling, making connections and many memories. Together with Laura Vera, Tom lived in Pleasanton, KS and raised their family of six children; Mark, Stephanie, Jon, Paul, Edward, and Mary Kathryn. A favorite pastime of his was taking the family on long camping trips to the lake. One memorable family trip to Canada included nights spent in tents with the roar of a nearby waterfall lulling everyone to sleep. Tom and Laura emphasized the importance of family by hosting large gatherings with their Halloween parties being a constant standout. Tom and Laura opened their home to all of their children’s friends and left a lasting legacy of kindness and good times remembered fondly by many. Later in life, Tom reunited with his high school sweetheart, Becky Gredell, and moved back to Kansas City, MO. Tom enjoyed grilling for his family in the summer time and whipping up his famous French toast for Mary Kathryn and her friends. Tom and Becky shared a grand adventure together, driving cross-country in a camper and took in the beautiful scenery of the National Parks. Tom was lovingly cared for by Becky through his illness until his passing. Tom was an enthusiastic friend, an energetic and charismatic individual. He loved going to concerts and cheering on the Chiefs, Royals, and Jayhawks. He was delighted by his grandchildren and cherished his time with them. Tom’s memory will live on in all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Kathryn Raab, his brother Louis Michael Raab, sister Joan Raab, ex-wife Laura Vera, and nephew Daniel Raab. He is survived by his children; Mark Vera(Eline), Stephanie Priddell(Kenneth), Jon Vera(Kaylyn), Paul Vera(Jacqueline), Edward Raab(Sasha), and Mary Kathryn Raab (Jacob). By his caring partner Becky Gredell. By his brothers Mark Raab(Patricia) and Steve Raab(Natalie). By his grandchildren Caleb, Alexavier, Ryder, Gabriella, Sophia, Izabella, Edith, and Siobhan. By his many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes any donations to the KU Cancer Center: kucancercenter.org/give Additional thanks to Sheena of the St. Luke’s Hospice team, for your kindness and care.

Thomas Edward Raab

June 18, 1962 - January 7, 2025