Thomas Orton

Thomas M. Orton, of Houston Texas, passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Houston Methodist Hospital in Webster, Texas at the age of 71.

A visitation will be held from 1:00pm to 5:00pm (family present 3-5), Friday, February 26, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Belle Plaine. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, February 27, also at the church.

He was born the son of Allen and Betty Orton on July 26, 1949. Tom grew up in Belle Plaine, Kansas and graduated from Kansas State Teachers College with a Bachelors’ Degree to teach. He taught 2 years, then attained another Bachelors’ Degree in Electrical Engineering at Wichita State University. He continued to live in Belle Plaine while working as an electrical engineer for Boeing. He volunteered for the community as a paramedic for many years then moved to Houston, Texas to work on the ISS Space Station as EEE parts. Tom retired from Boeing Aircraft Company after a 36-year career. He was honored for his work on the International Space Station with a prestigious Snoopy award and attained the level of Associate Tech Fellow. He was a member of Belle Plaine Masonic Lodge and a past Master of the Lodge. He was also a member of Cahaba Shrine, Order of the Eastern Star and Consistory.

Tom enjoyed woodworking and traveling. He made wooden bowls and pens. He was always willing to help those in need. He volunteered for the Belle Plaine community as a paramedic for many years

He was much loved and will be missed.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Kathryn of Houston, Texas; son, Daniel Orton of Houston, Texas; daughter, Sarah Orton and husband Kelly Schweikert of Columbia, Missouri; grandchildren Tommy and Amelia Schweikert; step grandson, Carter; and brother, Richard (Jean) Orton of Belle Plaine Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Betty Orton.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hatfield-Smith Funeral Home Belle Plaine, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Shriners hospital at https://donate.lovetotherescue.org.