Thomas E. “Tom” Wunder, 64, of Topeka, passed away, Saturday, May 21, 2011.
Tom was born April 16, 1947 in Topeka, Ks the son of Leo Wunder and Edna Mae Taylor. He was raised by his mother and step father Kenny Taylor.
He was a graduate of Shawnee Heights High School. Tom served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Chevalier during Vietnam.
He worked 33 years at Del Monte Foods currently as the warehouse coordinator.
For over 25 years Tom was very well known through out the Midwest as a successful dirt track race car driver. “Thunderin’ Tom” in the #15 had over 200 feature wins and eight championships.
Tom was married to Jo Ann Waters. She survives at the home. Other survivors include, his children, Shelly Wunder, Chad (Amie) Wunder, Danielle (Jason) Owens; his siblings, Judy (Steve) Solomon, Deb (Jack) Newlee, Laurie (Mike) Reed and Mike Taylor; his grandchildren, Jordan, Jonna, Makayla, Jace, Andrea and Jarin; five nieces, two nephews and 13 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Leo Wunder and his parents Kenny and Edna Taylor.
Tom will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. that evening. A graveside ceremony with full military honors will be held Noon, Friday at the Penwell Gabel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Let’s Help and left in care of the funeral home.