Thomas "Tom" Kent Kjelland, Jr., 76, passed away on Monday, January 4, 2021 in Wichita, Kansas. Tom was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa to parents June Wilma (King) Kjelland-Thatcher and Thomas Kent Kjelland Sr.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Tom is survived by his wife Jane A Kjelland; son Thomas "Kent" Kjelland III (Karen Rae); daughter Christine René Kjelland-Sparks (Michael "Troy"); grandchildren Michael "Dane" Sparks, Kiley René Sparks, Michael "Reece" Sparks, Katie Rae Kjelland, Shellie Renee Akers (Nate Akers); great grandchildren Chloe Grace Akers and Grayson Carter Akers; cousins Vicki Mohling (John), Torri Wilson; nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Tom had an adventurous life from start to finish! Never a dull moment.

He lived in the Linwood Park area of Wichita growing up and played in that park every day. His high school years were spent at Ponca Military Academy, Ponca City, OK until moving back to Wichita where he finished his High School education at Belle Carter High a Private School at Historic Crumm Castle on the Arkansas River in Wichita. Tom then attended Friends University and WSU. He met his wife and it was love at first sight their marriage lasted 58 years.

He worked at Beech Aircraft and Boeing in Wichita as a master machinist. Then, he moved to Fort Worth, TX where he worked at Bell Helicopter. His two precious children were both born in Fort Worth. After several years he moved his family back to Wichita before opportunities presented for him in California where he took his family.  After 10 years he moved back to Wichita to care for his mother. Tom was an only child. Here in Wichita, Tom opened and operated a few night clubs: The Office, The PMS (Pattie Morris Saloon) and The FOC (Fly Over Club) where he met so many of his lifelong friends. Due to health issues, he got out of the business and retired. Tom was extremely close with his family and loved his children and grandchildren from the bottom of his heart. He and his wife Janey retired and were able to travel more. Traveling to Lake Tahoe, California every year to visit with friends there. And he loved to go on Cruises…Jamaica was his favorite. If you had the privilege of meeting or knowing Tom…consider yourself lucky. Until we meet again he will live on in all our hearts and memories.  Tom's favorite song was "Stormy Monday" by Gary Moore. Play it sometime when you want to have a Tequila shot with Tom. He would love that.

Tom was Loved.

Quote:  "Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "Wow! What a ride!"

~ Hunter S. Thompson

Celebration of Life Service for Tom will be held outdoors Saturday January 16, 2021 in Linwood Park North at 1:00 pm at the benches and stage of the shelter house.

Baker Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com and Kansas.com/Legacy.com.