Thomas C. Veltman

Thomas “Tom” Veltman, 72, passed away on October 19, 2026.

Born in Chardon, Ohio, Tom grew up in Weslaco, Texas, and went on to build a life filled with family, adventure, laughter, and love. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for 12 years and later dedicated 22 years of his career to Wichita State University. He shared 44 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Gayle, whom he met in Wichita, KS while in the Air Force.

Tom enjoyed life and had a special appreciation for adventure. He loved traveling, going on road trips and cruises, and spending time near the ocean. An enthusiastic fisherman, he especially enjoyed deep-sea fishing where his love for the water and the thrill of the catch came together. He also enjoyed photography, particularly capturing the beauty of the places he visited. A fan of muscle cars and rock and blues music from the 1970s, he was also a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan who loved watching football and cheering on his favorite team. He was fond of all our family pets but had a close attachment to Sadie, our Collie/Lab.

Above all, Tom loved his family. He was a proud father who showed his love by being present and supporting his children in everything they did. When his son, Joey, played baseball growing up, Tom was there for every practice and game. He was equally proud of his daughter, Carly, whom he affectionately called “Bebe.” He celebrated her academic and professional accomplishments and never stopped cheering her on. His unwavering belief in his children was one of the many ways he showed how deeply he cared for them.

In recent years, Tom found joy in being a grandpa. He lovingly called his grandsons, Lawson and Keller, “Bubba,” and treasured the time he spent with them. Whether he was playing with them, reading together, or watching them participate in sports, he loved being part of their world. Reading was a special way Tom connected with both his children and grandchildren.

Tom also had a playful sense of humor and a particular fondness for Dad jokes. He also loved Whataburger, and trips there for his birthday and Father’s Day became a family tradition. These outings were another way to spend time together and create the everyday memories that became so precious over time.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Joseph Veltman, and his sister, Marsha Ackermann.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Gayle; his son, Joey; his daughter, Carly Walter; his son-in-law, Braden Walter; his cherished grandsons, Lawson and Keller; his sister, Susan (Jim) Smajdek; his brother-in-law, Bobby Ackermann; his nephews Justin Criswell and Cody Ackermann; and his nieces, Amanda Ackermann and Melissa Ripps.

Tom leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, curiosity, encouragement, and laughter. His family will remember a man who served his country, faced his multiple medical problems with great courage, showed up for his wife and children, delighted in his grandchildren, and found joy in life’s adventures.

Though he will be profoundly missed, Tom’s love will live on in the hearts of his friends and family, in the stories they tell, and in the memories they cherish.

Funeral arrangements are pending. Memorial gifts can be sent to Caring Hands Humane Society, 1400 SE 3rd St., Newton KS 67114.