Thomas E. Duggan, 80, of Tampa, passed away Friday, Oct. 10, 2014. He was born Nov. 20, 1933, to Thomas P. and Elizabeth Katherine (Coyne) Duggan, in Salina, Kansas. Tom was proud of his Irish Catholic ancestry, the Duggan family name, and his roots in the Tampa community.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Dolores (Dee) Duggan of Tampa, married November 29, 1975; his daughters, Darla K. Hall of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Deb Hall of Herington, Kansas; and grandchildren, Adam Hall and Kaylee Ann Hall. He loved his sisters, Patricia (Gene) Westerhaus of Flagstaff, Arizona, and Betty (Don) Frick of Topeka, Kansas, and all his nieces and nephews and their children. He was preceded in death by his brothers, John Duggan and Bernard Duggan, who are still greatly missed.

Tom graduated Tampa High School in 1951 and Kansas State in 1955 with honors. He joined the Army in 1955 and left the service as a first lieutenant. Tom farmed his whole life and also worked for the United States Postal Service. He was a rural carrier for many years before becoming the postmaster in Lincolnville and Hope before retiring in 2001.

Tom was on the Tampa State Bank Board of Directors and secretary of the board for 50 years. He was a member of the American Legion; Knights of Columbus, serving as Secretary-treasurer for more than 40 years; and held various offices in the Lions Club. He was on the SCMC Board of Directors for Tampa and was the president of the Marion County Rural Water District I. He recently represented Marion County as its Silver-Haired Legislator.

Tom was a kind, caring, hard-working and all-around good man. He was a devout servant to God, his country, his family, his Catholic church, his friends, his many service and political organizations, his community, and to anyone who needed a helping hand. He always focused on others rather than himself. And, as we all know, those who serve with humility are the true leaders both here on earth as in heaven.

Tom embraced life in a quiet way. He was a gentle man and a gentleman. He enjoyed the company of his family and others, good conversation with his friends in the community, lively political debate, and interjected his dry Irish wit when least expected. After he retired, Tom and Dee enjoyed travelling; they went on many trips, to locations in the United States and abroad, with family and with friends.

A Rosary was held on Tuesday, Oct. 14 and a funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, at Holy Redeemer Church in Tampa. Burial was at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Tampa.

Memorials may be made to Holy Redeemer Church of Tampa or Tampa Pride in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm, Marion KS 66861.

“I, John, heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” said the Spirit, “let them find rest from their labors, for their works accompany them.”

Book of Revelation 14:13