Thomas Mueller

Thomas O. Mueller, 61, died April 19, 2009 at KU Medical Center after a long battle with a series of health complications resulting from cystic fibrosis and colon cancer. He was born on July 28, 1947 in Los Angeles; his family moved to the Independence area shortly afterwards. When Tom was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a young child, the expected lifespan for a CF patient was only into the early 20’s. but as medical science advanced, Tom diligently and without complaint took the course of treatments prescribed. His courage and strength while maintaining his sense of humor in facing the everyday challenges of a chronic disease were inspirational to his family, friends and healthcare providers.
Tom worked as a graphic artist for the UMKC School of Medicine for more than 30 years, retiring in 2002. On Thanksgiving Day, 2002, at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, he received the gift of life in the form of a double-lung transplant. This generous gift allowed him several more years of quality life. Upon his death, he in turn was able to donate his corneas so that another might receive the gift of sight.
Tom volunteered his time as a co-editor and graphic artist for his Independence neighborhood newsletter. His favorite pastimes included listening to rock and folk music, collecting pottery, running a small antiques business with his wife, and reading World Wars I and II history. He was an animal lover and was especially fond of his cats. Tom treasured the memories of growing up in Independence and kept in touch with many of his childhood friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mathilde Mueller. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Desiree of Independence, and his two brothers, Richard Mueller of Leawood, KS and Karl Mueller of Lee’s Summit, MO, and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation at Carson-Speaks Funeral Home, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence is planned for 6-8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 21. On Wednesday, April 22, a graveside service is planned for 1:00 PM at Green Lawn Cemetery in south Kansas City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Tom’s memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.cff.org.