Thomas Eugene Kraus

Thomas Eugene Kraus was born on January 5, 1941, to Jean Glahn-Kraus and Thomas Edward Kraus. He passed away on April 17, 2025, at the age of 84.

Tom was raised on the family farm near Hawley, Oklahoma. He attended Gore, St. Joseph Catholic, and Jefferson schools, graduating from Jefferson High School in 1959. He went on to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, where he played football and ran track. Tom served in the Oklahoma National Guard and trained at Fort Leonard Wood.

On February 23, 1963, Tom married Mary Jane Lavicky. Together they had three children: Greg, Michelle, and Karla. Mary Jane preceded him in death in November 1985.

Tom later married Mary Louise Miksch on August 13, 1988. With this union, Marc and Amanda Davis became part of the family.

Tom was a dedicated farmer and cattleman. He worked as a ring man for Cherokee Sales Company for over thirty years and was a familiar face at sale barns across Missouri and Arkansas as a cattle buyer. He was a partner—and later sole owner and manager—of Alfalfa County Feeders north of Cherokee. After retiring from the feedyard, he enjoyed traveling and restoring antique tractors. He especially loved participating in tractor pulls and the camaraderie that came with them.

Tom never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand, often without saying a word. He was known for his hard work, generosity, and kind spirit. He was an active member of the Pond Creek Methodist Church and Men’s Bible Study Group and also enjoyed fellowship and activities with the Bethel Hawley Baptist Church alongside family, friends, and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jean Glahn, Thomas Edward, and Lois Kraus; his wife Mary Jane Kraus; his daughter Michelle Kraus-Shaw; and his brother Gerald Kraus.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Mary Kraus; his children Greg Kraus and wife Mary Beth, and Karla Stephens and husband Josh; his stepchildren Marc Davis and wife Tina, and Amanda Davis; his grandchildren Jackson, Shelby, and Brooks Davis; Ben and Sophia Genuzio; and Garrett and Ethan Stephens. He is also survived by his brother Randy Kraus and wife Regina, sister Cindy Smith, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Tom will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

There will be a visitation Monday April 21, 2025, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Pond Creek Methodist Church. Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the Pond Creek Methodist Church officiated by Pastor Randy Kiel and Pastor Gary Lillie with interment to follow at the Pond Creek Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be made to the Pond Creek Methodist Church, Pond Creek Cemetery Association or the Iron Horse Tractor Club.