Thomas Leon Strunk, age 73, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 in Wichita, KS, surrounded by his family and those close to him.

Tom was born Tuesday, March 18, 1952, in Wichita, Kansas to Nicholas and Mary Strunk. Tom was a life-long resident of Valley Center, moving just west of town in recent years to enjoy more space in his retirement years. He was a 25-year veteran of the Sedgwick County Fire Department, retiring as a Captain in 2004. During his time with the fire department he held many leadership roles, including serving several years as the department Chaplin, impacting countless lives along the way.

Tom enjoyed spending time tinkering outside around home and finding whatever excuse he could to get his friends together for a project. His wife Trudy, who dedicated several years to selflessly helping care for him, was the love of his life. You could find them most Fridays at the Bud Palmer auction and they also enjoyed spending time with family and friends gathering for dinner, cards or just a good visit. Tom was also very proud of his grandkids and enjoyed watching any and all events he could if they were involved.

More than anything, Tom loved the Lord and would never miss a chance to tell anyone who would listen.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Trudy of Valley Center, daughter Christina (Ambrose) Hill and their kids Cora and Harrison of Wichita, son Tim (Cheyenne) Strunk and their kids Emerson, Collier and Quinn of Wamego, brother Dan (Jan) Strunk of Derby, sisters Kathleen Fehrmann of Bel Aire, Linda (Ralph) Ohl of Conway Springs, Karen (Virgil) Neises of Wichita, and Ruth (Dean) Youngers of Wichita, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, caring friends and a large retired and active firefighting family.

Visitation will be Monday, August 4th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Grace Connections Church (300 N. Ash) in Valley Center. Funeral service will be Tuesday, August 5th, at 10 a.m., also at Grace Connections Church in Valley Center. Burial will be at the Valley Center Memorial Cemetery, and a reception/lunch will be held immediately following at the Valley Center Community Building (314 E. Clay).

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be designated in Tom's memory to Grace Connections Church, 300 N. Ash, Valley Center for a handicap access project he had been leading prior to his passing.

Baker Funeral Home Valley Center is handling arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com