Thomas O. Mosteller

Mosteller, Thomas O., 78. Thomas Owen Mosteller was born June 17, 1936 in Wichita, Kansas to Frederick Perry Mosteller and Vivian Ivy (Mounts) Mosteller. Tom was the 8th of 15 children and grew up working in the family business, Sunnyside Nursery. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; two sisters; first born child, Bradley Own. On April 26, 2015, he was reunited with them in heaven. In 1954 Tom graduated from East High School and married Shirley Ann Albert. Their surviving children are son, Scott Thomas (Cheri) of Haysville, KS, daughter, Laura Ann Szopinski (Jim) of St. Charles, IL, daughter, Lisa Kay (Scott) of Kingman, KS, son, Jeffrey Thomas (Glenn Achtemeier) of Austin, TX, son, John Thomas (Lei Lani) of Austin, TX. In 1970, on the first day of spring he married the love of his life, Marilyn Kay Moore who joined him in the family business and also survives him. Tom was also blessed with 7 grandchildren, Drew, Paige, Logan, Patrick, Haley, Dallas and Sarah who he proudly proclaimed as seven of the greatest joys of his life. Toms love of horticulture inspired him to co-found the Wichita Lawn and Garden show in 1966. His foresight and commitment to grow its influence on the community led to it being listed as one of the 10 Best Garden Shows in the US by Southern Living magazine. He brought that same expertise to Botanica, the Wichita Gardens as a founder and the first president of the board in 1985. He remained active there until the progression of Alzheimers made it impractical. His love of horticulture was second only to his love, and loyalty to his family and his Savior Jesus Christ. Visitation with the Family will be from 4:00 - 6:00 P.M., Thursday, April 30, 2015, at Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Funeral Service will be at 10:30 A.M., Friday, May 1, 2015, at Hope Community Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with: Botanica, 701 Amidon St., Wichita, KS 67203; Hope Community Church, 1831 E. 21st St., Andover, KS 67002.