Thomas Phillip Kezlan
Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute
Thomas Phillip Kezlan, 90, passed away Saturday, November 29, 2025. He fought Alzheimer’s Disease with patience at Kingswood Senior Living in Kansas City. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Jessie Pomo; and his brother Richard Kezlan. He is survived by his wife Judy Goss Kezlan. They have been married for 39 years.
Tom was born in Omaha, Nebraska, August 6, 1935. He attended Omaha University, now the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He then attended Kansas University at Lawrence, Kansas, earning a PhD in Mathematics. He came to Kansas City, Missouri to teach math at UMKC until retirement. He loved classical music, subtle jokes and most of all handball.
Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service in Westminster Hall at Kingswood, 10000 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, Missouri, on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 11:00am, with a reception to follow. Memorial gifts may be sent to Kingswood Foundation or the charity of your choice.
Tom was probably the best ambassador of handball at the club. Always a gentleman, always willing to sit down and talk handball or better yet play handball with anyone. Tom was smooth on the court and had the best hands of any handball player I ever watched.
A true gentleman!
Truly one of the nicest guys on the courts and he probably felt no matter how much you complained or even after you got your way, he would produce a well placed, well timed kill shot from the right or the left.
Man of great patience.
Tom, rest in peace.
Tom & I played at many tournaments over many years – I won some, lost most. Most memorable for me was a St Jo tourney, my wife was watching – I had Tom behind 20 to zero – and of course Tom ended up winning the match. Anytime I got to feeling I was pretty good, my wife would remind me of that Match. Rest in peace my good friend.
Tom was a friend and a genuine gentleman, I was blessed to get to know him.
I first met Tom when I was about 13 at the JCC 82nd and Holmes. There were two handball courts located behind the basketball courts. Remember watching Tom play handball in awe. He played the game with a graceful and powerful manner at the same time. Tom was such a kind and happy person as I was introduced to so many wonderful men playing handball, including my teacher and mentor Piggy Fox. My condolences for your loss of such a super man. May his soul rest in peace with blessed memories.
I always looked forward to seeing Tom and hearing his latest subtle joke told with that deadpan, dry wit.
A true gentleman on and off the court. He made our game respectable!
I always remembered Tom as a true gentleman and great handball player. The only time I was able to beat Tom was at the Salina Midwestern Masters division. I was pretty proud of that win until I found later that Tom was 14 years older than me and playing down a division!
A great person that generated a tremendous amount of respect.
I fondly remember Tom trying to explain mathematical “theory of rings” to me, of all places in the hallway between court 1 and 2 at the Overland Park Athletic Club. He quickly realized my brain was not wired for such things. He paused, then said let’s just play another game. Rest in peace Tom.
Met tom in Omaha in 1972. Played many a match against him . He was truly a great handball player and a great gentleman. Will miss his wry humor and his gentle demeanor. Rip my dear friend. I will miss you very much .
A great player, and even a better person. Do you think he’ll be having a game with Norm, Bales, and Mr B; maybe Tombo will referee and Randall will keep score.