Thomas Canaday

On October 7th, 2025, Thomas Canaday took his last breath here on earth and began his eternal life in heaven with his Lord and Savior. Tom was born on December 20th, 1947, in Blackwell, Oklahoma to Betty and Loyd Canaday. He spent his childhood moving around to several towns in Kansas until his father’s job settled them in Junction City. Tom was the oldest of four children and often took care of his siblings when his parents were at work. He spent many of his summers with his paternal grandparents, whom he called mom and dad, in Oklahoma working and learning how to farm.

Tom graduated from Junction City High in 1965 lettering in debate. He then attended K-State University in Manhattan KS. Amid his academic pursuit, Tom was drafted by the United States Army to aid in the Vietnam War. He served in the 412th Transportation Company from August 1968 – March 1970.

When Tom was released from service he returned to K-State before pursuing a career in the grocery business. It was then he met the love of his life, Marsha Hayter and they were married on April 23rd, 1972, in Junction City, KS. Tom and Marsha began their life together, moving to McPherson where Tom took over the management of his first grocery store. Four years later they welcomed their first child, Tara and Food-4-Less moved him to the store in Manhattan, KS. While there, they welcomed their son Tim. Several years later Food-4-Less once again relocated the family to Austin TX where they remained for two years. In his final move with the company Tom chose to return to Kansas and manage the Food-4-Less in Leavenworth. After fifteen years with Food-4-Less Tom left the company and joined Bob’s IGA grocery chain in Kansas City. He managed several locations throughout the area until he decided to take a break from the grocery business. From there he joined his daughter and son working at Youth For Christ and he held many different jobs in the organization. He took to the new career of service and ministry with gusto and loved the opportunity to share rides to and from work with his kids. Tom’s final career was with Mondelez (Nabisco). In this role, he travelled to area stores and coordinated sales, ordering, and placement of all products with his consumers. He retired from Mondelez in 2013.

Throughout his life, Tom was always an active member of whichever church he and Marsha chose to attend. Some of the ways he served were as janitor, greeter, sound tech, Sunday school teacher, Bible study leader, and Elder.

Tom was a well-rounded sports enthusiast enjoying slow-pitch softball, bowling, and golf. He followed K-State sports and rooted for the KC Chiefs. Playing cards and shooting pool were some of the many ways Tom enjoyed relaxing and spending time with family. In retirement Tom had the chance to lean even further into his role as Papa by attending his grandchildren’s activities. His relationship with each of his grandchildren was as special and unique as each individual child.

Some of Tom’s favorite things included date nights with Marsha, spending time with his grandkids, regaling us with one of his many stories, reading, running errands (because he was a people person), and playing Yahtzee on his phone.

Tom never met a stranger and had the knack of engaging and making anyone and everyone feel welcome. At his heart he was a servant, always looking for ways to fill the gap and step in and help. He knew no bounds or held no reservations on providing those he loved with what they needed. It was a life well lived.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother Betty and Loyd Canaday, his two brothers Tracy and Terry, and his granddaughter Tressa Canaday.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Marsha of 53 years; daughter Tara Ruff (husband Chris), son Tim Canaday (wife Wendy). Forever cherished and remembered by his five grandchildren, Carter Ruff, Tyler Canaday, Tia Canaday, Chase Ruff, Caitlyn Ruff, and his sister Tammy Van Allman (husband Rich), nephew Bradley Steffens and niece Amber Wilson. 

The Celebration of Life service to honor Tom will be held at Christ Community Church 20600 W. 119th Street, Olathe, KS 66061 on Sunday November 2nd at 2:00pm. The family will receive guests at the church starting at 1:00pm. His remains will be interred at a later date. A live stream of the service will be available at https://cckc.online.church/

Due to the service being on Sunday, please send any flowers or plants to Marsha Canaday 12520 S. Parker Terr. Olathe, KS 66061 by November 1st and we will transport them to the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The University of Kansas Health System (or Olathe Health Charitable Foundation) for the benefit of the health system: In memory of Thomas Canaday

Donate to The University of Kansas Health System

Donate to Olathe Health Charitable Foundation