Thomas L Williams

Thomas Leslie Williams, affectionately known as Tom, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, at St Luke's Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. Robert and Marcia Williams welcomed Tom into this world on June 22, 1951. Tom lived a life marked by dedication, creativity, and love for his family and community.

Tom's family resided in Independence, Missouri until 1961 when they moved to Lake Tapawingo. Tom loved his childhood at the lake, swimming, fishing, water skiing, hiking in the woods, ice skating and raising fish. Tom was a storyteller and often spoke of growing up at the lake and the impact it had on his life. He was a member of Scouting America as an eagle scout and later in life as a volunteer. He enjoyed the outdoors and long road trips to national parks with his family.

Tom graduated from Blue Springs High School in 1969, demonstrating early on a commitment to learning and achievement. A few years after graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Lynn Lowry and began to raise a family, welcoming two children, Vanessa and Jeremy. During this time, Tom pursued higher education with great passion, earning a Bachelor of Architecture and a Masters of Architecture from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. Further expanding his expertise, he obtained a Diploma of Architecture from the University of London, Bartlett School of Architecture in London, England. His interest in Architecture began early when he helped his father build a home on Lake Tapawingo, nailing the roof shingles at 10 years old. Soon after, Tom discovered his father's drafting set and began drawing with the tools. He was very artistic and put his talents to good use in his art classes and later in architectural design and illustration. This beginning sparked his passion for his chosen profession and his educational accomplishments laid the foundation for a distinguished career in architecture and design, working for various firms such as Howard Needles Tammen & Bergendoff (HNTB), Treanor Architects and Ingalls Williams Architects. As a registered architect and member of the AIA, he contributed his talents to many projects including the Bell Telephone Tower in Lawrence, Kansas, the Town Pavilion Tower in Kansas City, Missouri and The Herberger Theater in Phoenix, Arizona. His talents and career extended to the international arena, taking him around the world where he enjoyed living in Arizona, Hawaii, Los Angeles and Texas, as well as more exotic locales such as UAE and Saudia Arabia. He eventually returned home to live in Independence, Missouri in 2018.

While in Arizona, Tom met his future wife Sandra Ingalls, a fellow architect. His family grew with the addition of their child Asher and his stepchild Mike. After moving back to Missouri, they married, enjoying over 30 years together, living a life full of love and laughter. He was a loving father and grandfather, whose depth of love and devotion for his family will continue to be felt in the years to come.

Tom's memory will be cherished by his beloved wife, Sandra Ingalls; his children, Vanessa and spouse John, Jeremy and spouse Amie, Asher and former spouse Sean, and stepchild Mike; grandchildren Elan, Chloe and spouse Garrett, Emma, Luna, Tess, Willa, Luke, and Sydney; and great-grandchild Graham, as well as his previous wife Lynn.

Tom’s parents, Robert and Marcia Williams, as well as his sister Diana Martin, preceded him in death. Their memories remain a cherished part of his story.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Visitation will start at 11:00 a.m. and services will begin at 12:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, located at 301 SW Woods Chapel Rd, Blue Springs, Missouri, 64015. This gathering offers an opportunity for all who knew Tom to honor his memory, reflect on his impact, and share in the warmth of his enduring legacy. Tom loved bright colors and Hawaiian shirts, so comfortable, informal clothing, bright colors and Hawaiian shirts are welcome.

Thomas Leslie Williams leaves behind a lasting imprint on those who were privileged to know him. His contributions to architecture, his steadfast commitment to family, and his warm spirit will be remembered with deep respect and affection. May his memory be a blessing to all who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

the Youth Program at First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs: https://bluespringsumc.org/give/

the School of Architecture, University of Kansas: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1312/lg21/form.aspx?sid=1312&gid=1&pgid=791&cid=1843&bledit=1&dids=838.735.2710.375&sort=1&appealcode=WEK