Thomas "Tom" Allen Koerner, 79, Hays, died February 6, 2023, at home. He was born July 11, 1943, in Hays, KS to Joseph and Bertha (Miller) Koerner and grew up in Hays.
He married Sheila Sheck and later married Judy K. Giebler on June 11, 1977, in Hays. He was a 1961 graduate of St. Joseph’sMilitary Academy, joined the Air Force after graduation and was stationed in Korea and Okinowa during the Viet Nam era. He was a City Commissioner 1975-79, received his degree in Criminal Justice and worked at Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility as Staff Development Specialist. Tom worked in Pest Control, Farmers State Bank Loan Officer and many different jobs.
His memberships included Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #6984, and the Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly. His careers in law enforcement were: Sergeant with Staff Development at Larned Mental Health Correctional Facility, Police Officer with the Hays Police Dept., Sheriff’s Deputy with Ellis County Sheriff’s Dept.
On January 3, 2009, he was ordained a Permanent Deacon with the Salina Diocese and served at Immaculate of Heart Mary Church in Hays, KS until his retirement.
Survivors include his wife of the home, a son, Scott Koerner (Vicki), daughter Christine Torres (Jesse), daughter Wanda Sue Keefover (Mike), son Bob Herman, brother Randy Koerner (Wanda); Sister-in-law Nancy Leiker, 7 grandchildren; 6 step-grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, 15 step great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter Terra Davis, brothers Myron (Skip), Joseph Koerner, & a brothers-in-law, Fred Weber, Jr., Lee Allan Leiker, a step great grandson, Aiden Keefover.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hays. Burial with military honors courtesy of the Hays VFW Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday 5 PM - 8 PM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. A Daughters of Isabella rosary service will be at 6 PM followed by a combined St. Mary's/IHMC Council 3rd degree and Bishop Cunningham 4th degree Knights of Columbus rosary at 6:45 with a parish vigil service following.
Arrangements in care of Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to HaysMed Hospice or the Immaculate Heart of Mary Building Fund.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com