Thomas Anthony Audley

Thomas Anthony Audley, 64, of Wichita, passed away Friday, March 6, 2026, at Credo Memory Care in Wichita, KS. He was born in Iola, KS to Joseph and Helen (Brough) Audley on April 11, 1961, the 11th of 12 children.

Tom enjoyed coaching, golf, teaching, friends and family. Although a quiet man, he never met a stranger. Tom spent countless hours pouring into students and mentoring other coaches. He will be remembered for his leadership, culture building and honesty.

Tom was a 1978 graduate of Iola High School, Iola, KS. A 1984 graduate of Southwestern College with his bachelor’s degree in Education then went on to earn his Master’s degree in Education from Pittsburg State University. From an early age, Tom was a multisport athlete earning athletic honors at every level, including the honor of Kodak All-American First Team in 1982 at Southwestern. In 1996, he was inducted into the Southwestern College Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 1984.

Tom began his 36-year teaching and coaching career at Goddard High School. He continued his career at Baxter Springs High School, then transferred to Andover High School. When Andover Central opened its doors, Tom became the inaugural coach for the Andover Central football team, building the program from the ground up. While he was known for coaching football, he also put great effort into coaching track and golf throughout his career. He mentored and led the Jaguars until his retirement from coaching in 2019. Tom’s influence lives on with the many people’s lives he touched throughout his extended coaching career, he always felt he gained as much as he gave. In December of 2025, Tom was inducted into the Kansas Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

Tom welcomed his daughter, Gillian, in the Spring of 2000, adding to his life and enjoyment with many special adventures together. Tom loved traveling with his daughter and golfing. In 2020, Tom retired to focus full-time on his golf game.

Tom leaves behind a beautiful legacy of his daughter, Gillian (Derek Leamer) Falcon. He is survived by his siblings: JoAnne Audley, John Audley, Mary (Craig) Bills, Pat Audley, Peggy (Mike) Bodeman, Theresa Smith, Catherine (Craig) Summers, Joe (Audrey) Audley, Kevin Audley, Loretta Audley, Larry Audley, many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends whose lives he touched. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Helen Audley.

Vigil will be at 7:00 pm, Thursday, March 12, 2026; Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Friday, March 13, 2026, both at Church of the Magdalen, Wichita. Graveside Service will be at 1:00 pm, Saturday, March 14, 2026, at St. Martin’s Catholic Cemetery, 1368 Xylan Rd., Piqua, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Central & Western Kansas, 535 W. Douglas, Ste. 150, Wichita, KS 67213.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.