Tommy James McGathy, 85, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Wednesday afternoon, March 18, 2020 at William Newton Hospital.

Born April 20, 1934 in Dumas, Arkansas, he was the son of William and Francis (Demple) McGathy. He was raised and received his education in southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana. Following school, he went to work in the cotton fields. He later went to work for Western Union, a job that involved lots of traveling. While in Cedar Vale, Kansas, Tommy met Nellie Duncan. The couple were united in marriage on September 5, 1953 in Cedar Vale. They continued to travel with Tommy's work until he was drafted into the United States Army in the 1950's and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Tommy and Nellie moved to Winfield, Kansas where he began working as a lineman for the City of Winfield. In 1970, they moved to Rose Hill and he began working in Wichita for C&T Line Construction. In 1985, the family moved to Garden Grove, California where Tommy worked for Herzog Electric until returning to Cedar Vale in 1995 and working for Par Electrical Contractors. He retired in 1997.

He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He enjoyed working on their house, yardwork, dancing with Nellie, and playing with his kids. When he was younger, he enjoyed raising Brittany dogs.

His family includes his wife Nellie McGathy of Winfield; his children, Kenneth McGathy and wife, Kelly of Orange City, FL; Christine Marks McGathy of Wichita; Chad Douglas McGathy and wife, LaTonya Renee of Winfield; Christopher Michael McGathy and wife, Julia Denae of El Dorado; his brother Alvin McGathy of Slidell, LA; and his 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

In addition to his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by 11 siblings and two sons, Douglas Joe McGathy and Glen Ray McGathy.

Private family graveside services will be held at a later date. Miles Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.