Thomas Livengood

Thomas Neil Livengood, age 84, of Ellis, Kansas, formerly of California, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Via Christi Village in Hays, Kansas. He was born on April 5, 1939, in Yuba City, California, to Neil and Elizabeth (Creggar) Livengood.

Thomas was a remarkable individual whose life was dedicated to education and ecological preservation. He served as a long-time civic leader, served on the Planning Commission for 22 years and ecological leader, leaving a lasting impact on the communities he served. Thomas spent 37 years as the Director of College Auxiliary Services at Long Beach State University before retiring from his esteemed position.

One of his proudest achievements was being a founding member of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Orange County, California. This reserve stands as a testament to his passion for preserving and protecting the natural world. Additionally, Thomas served as a dedicated board member of the Shipley Nature Center in Huntington Beach, California, for over 30 years, further demonstrating his commitment to environmental causes.

Thomas Livengood's legacy extends beyond his professional accomplishments. He leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory. He is survived by his two daughters, Debra Weeks and her husband Maurice of Ellis, Kansas, and Jody Ford and her husband Mark Geyer of Ellis. In addition, Thomas is also survived by two step-daughters, Crystal Whitaker and her husband James of Arizona, and Dawn Thomas and her husband Rick of Garden Grove, California. His nephew, Gary Livengood, and his wife Roberta of Marysville, California, also mourn his loss.

Thomas was a doting grandfather to Corinne, Cody, Kala, Michael, Richard, Sarah, James, Christopher, Shane, Amber, Aaron, and Steven, who will fondly remember him. Furthermore, he leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren, whose lives were enriched by his love and guidance.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Neil and Elizabeth Livengood, and his brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Carmen Livengood. He also experienced the loss of two beloved wives, Wanda Hall and Dianne Brewer, who held special places in his heart.

As we mourn the loss of Thomas N. Livengood, we celebrate the life of an extraordinary individual who made a significant difference in the fields of education and ecological conservation. His dedication, kindness, and love for nature will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be 12 noon on August 12, 2023 at North Oak Community Church 3000 Oak Street in Hays, KS. Family will be present starting at 11 AM until service time. Services will be streamed on the Keithley Funeral Homes Facebook page. To join go to www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com and select the Facebook Live tab.

Inurnment will be at 3 PM in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Ellis, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve or the Shipley Nature Center in memory of Thomas N. Livengood.

Condolences may be left on Tom’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Homes