Thomas Gaynor Ingram

Thomas Gaynor “Blue” Ingram, 71, passed away peacefully at his home in Liberal, MO, on September 15, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones, following a lengthy illness.

Gaynor was born in Campbell, Missouri, on June 17, 1954, to the late Thomas Elton and Mary Elizabeth (Whaley) Ingram. He grew up in Richlands, North Carolina, where his mischievous streak and stubborn personality began to shine early.

On October 1, 1973, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army, where he served three years with the airborne unit, including time in Vietnam. During his service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Parachute Badge, and the Expert Badge for the M-16 rifle.

After his honorable discharge in 1975, Gaynor settled in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and that’s where fate stepped in. He met the love of his life, Rebecca “Becky” (Hill) Ingram. Winning Becky over was no small feat, but Gaynor was nothing if not persistent. His efforts paid off when she finally agreed to a first date, which turned into a lifelong love story. They married on August 15, 1985, and spent the next 40 years building a beautiful family and life together.

A skilled tradesman, Gaynor owned and operated Blue’s Away Plumbing, his residential plumbing business, until his health led him to retire. Even in retirement, he remained active; he could usually be found outside keeping his lawn looking better than the neighbors’, fishing with his kids, or tending to his vegetable garden. Nothing put a smile on his face quite like a perfectly ripe tomato straight from the vine.

He also enjoyed life’s little pleasures like an oatmeal crème pie with his morning coffee, a crisp glass of ice-cold Pepsi, and the joy of irritating his wife by changing the TV channel right in the middle of her favorite shows.

Known for his unmatched stubbornness, Gaynor defied the odds by living more than a decade past the age doctors predicted for him. His family is grateful for that hard-headedness as it gave them many more years with him, and countless memories they’ll hold onto forever.

Gaynor is survived by his wife, Becky, of the home; one brother, Michael Ingram of North Carolina, and four sisters: Elaine Evakich, Ann Coffin, Earlene Carter, and Geraldine Hunt, all of North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his brothers Jerry Ingram, Kenneth Williams, and Jason Williams; and sisters Grace Jones and Carolyn Stanley.

He is also survived by his children: Crystal (Leroy) Nelson of Pittsburg, KS; Daniel (Ashley) Ingram of Nevada, MO; Ashlee (Rachel) Spurling of Liberal, MO; TJ Ingram of Joplin, MO; Melanie Ingram of Georgetown, OH; and Tina Ingram of Paris, TX. 

Gaynor’s greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren: Devon, Donavin, and Tavion Nelson; Clayton, Addison, and Avery Ingram; Aiden Reed; Ella Spurling; Chloe Brock; Alexis and Sierra Ingram; Shyann Silcox; Bentley Silcox-Ingram; Kristen Strunc Ross; Lauren and Makenzey Ross; and James Ross IIII.

Great grandchildren: Rhylinne, Autumn, and Taylen.

His love for them will live on.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Konantz-Warden Funeral Home.

A memorial service with military honors will be conducted at Ft Scott National Cemetery on Friday September 19, 2025 at 2:30 PM.