In Memory Of
Thomas Michael Bigelow
1944
2024
Thomas Michael Bigelow
March 3, 1944 — April 3, 2024
Thomas "Mike" Michael Bigelow, 80, of Olathe, passed away on April 3, 2024 at his home.
He was born to John and Pauline (DeVault) Bigelow in Gardner, KS on March 3, 1944. Mike was a lifelong resident of Kansas.
Mike proudly served our country in the US Army for four years, and was honorably discharged.
Mike was the owner and operator of Bigelow Construction, for many years. He took great pride in his work and was considered a master craftsman. He often said the art of carpentry is like playing cards. When going into old homes, the rule of square, plumb, level goes out the door, because the "House Rules". The house rules when you have to follow the natural grain, ebbs and flows to bring it to a genuine finish and appear original to the home or project.
Later in life, Mike then went on to teach at Kansas City, Kansas Technical College teaching sustainable carpentry and skilled trade to numerous students over the years and often built continued friendships after graduation.
In 1967, he married Mary Elizabeth (Ellis) , and they were married until the time of her death in August, 2, 2021. They lived many adventures, had four wonderful children who loved him dearly. Mike was an experienced recreational fisherman and traveled far and wide to angle the next catch with life long friends and later with his children. Mike enjoyed gardening, animals, continued education, and his faith in God.
He mentored and sponsored many with their education, personal well-being and growth. He enjoyed helping others and encouraging them to rise above many life obstacles.
Thomas Michael is survived by his children, Joei Alvarado and husband, Jesse, Sarah Oates, Vanessa Bigelow, and Michael Bigelow, grand-children Andre Bigelow, Jaden Wilson, Zoe Bigelow, Isaiah Bigelow, Maliyah Williams, Gabriella Bigelow, Mylah Bigelow and Michael A. Bigelow, great-grandchildren Amyah Wilson and Kamari Wilson, his special friend, Nancy Taylor, and many lifelong friends that meant the world to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Mary Elizabeth of 52 years, and his sister, Mary Ann Ambrose.
To leave a message of condolence for Mike's family, or to share a special memory of Mike, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born to John and Pauline (DeVault) Bigelow in Gardner, KS on March 3, 1944. Mike was a lifelong resident of Kansas.
Mike proudly served our country in the US Army for four years, and was honorably discharged.
Mike was the owner and operator of Bigelow Construction, for many years. He took great pride in his work and was considered a master craftsman. He often said the art of carpentry is like playing cards. When going into old homes, the rule of square, plumb, level goes out the door, because the "House Rules". The house rules when you have to follow the natural grain, ebbs and flows to bring it to a genuine finish and appear original to the home or project.
Later in life, Mike then went on to teach at Kansas City, Kansas Technical College teaching sustainable carpentry and skilled trade to numerous students over the years and often built continued friendships after graduation.
In 1967, he married Mary Elizabeth (Ellis) , and they were married until the time of her death in August, 2, 2021. They lived many adventures, had four wonderful children who loved him dearly. Mike was an experienced recreational fisherman and traveled far and wide to angle the next catch with life long friends and later with his children. Mike enjoyed gardening, animals, continued education, and his faith in God.
He mentored and sponsored many with their education, personal well-being and growth. He enjoyed helping others and encouraging them to rise above many life obstacles.
Thomas Michael is survived by his children, Joei Alvarado and husband, Jesse, Sarah Oates, Vanessa Bigelow, and Michael Bigelow, grand-children Andre Bigelow, Jaden Wilson, Zoe Bigelow, Isaiah Bigelow, Maliyah Williams, Gabriella Bigelow, Mylah Bigelow and Michael A. Bigelow, great-grandchildren Amyah Wilson and Kamari Wilson, his special friend, Nancy Taylor, and many lifelong friends that meant the world to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Mary Elizabeth of 52 years, and his sister, Mary Ann Ambrose.
To leave a message of condolence for Mike's family, or to share a special memory of Mike, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas Michael Bigelow, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Graveside Service
Friday, April 12, 2024
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Leavenworth National Cemetery
Guestbook
Visits: 10
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