Obituaries detail

Thomas (Tommy) Richard Batres, Age: 58
May 10, 1966 - Jun 14, 2024

Thomas (Tommy) Richard Batres, 58, of Kansas City, MO, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024 surrounded by his family and close friends.

 

Tommy was born on May 10, 1966, in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Oak Park High School in 1984. He recently retired from Ford Motor Company after 32 years of hard work and labor union representation.

 

Tommy is survived by his wife of 37 years Karel, daughters Jessica Marie Iverson (Jacob) and Lauren Nichole McKnight (Colby); brother Augustine Batres II; in-laws, many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and very close friends. He also leaves behind those who gave him the title of “Bampa,” Liam McKnight, Adeline McKnight, and Jennings Iverson.

 

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Augustine and Guadalupe Batres; brother, Jamie Batres; and father-in-law, Leo Smith.

 

Tommy loved his family more than anything. He enjoyed sharing music and watching Kansas City sports with his friends. His favorite place to spend his time was his garage…”if the garage door is open, everyone’s welcome.” Tommy was a passionate union supporter who would go above and beyond to assist his fellow auto workers. Tommy enjoyed seeing new sights, caring for his yard, watching the kids play sports, spending time with his grandkids, and being a friend to all. Tommy also took on the role of “2nd Dad” to many of his girls’ friends including his niece, Angela.

 

There are so many things we will miss about Tommy including his sense of humor, great big bear hugs, contagious laugh, and charming personality. Although he is no longer here with us, his spirit will live on through all of the memories we have of him and the love that we will forever cherish.

 

A service will be held at Gashland Baptist Church, located at 601 NE Barry Road, Kansas City, MO 64155, for friends and family on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. A visitation will be held from 12:00 - 2:00pm followed by a formal service at 2:30pm.

Additional Service:
Visitation
Location:
Gashland Baptist Church
Address:
601 NE Barry Rd.
City:
Kansas City
State:
Missouri
Zip Code:
64155
Date of Service:
Jun 19, 2024
Time of Service:
12:00 pm
Additional Information:

A service will be held at Gashland Baptist Church, located at 601 NE Barry Road, Kansas City, MO 64155, for friends and family on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. A visitation will be held from 12:00 - 2:00 pm followed by a formal service at 2:30pm.

Google Map:
Additional Service:
Memorial Service
Location:
Gashland Baptist Church
Address:
601 NE Barry Rd.
City:
Kansas City
State:
Missouri
Zip Code:
64155
Date of Service:
Jun 19, 2024
Time of Service:
2:30 pm
Additional Information:

A visitation will be held from 12:00 - 2:00 pm followed by a formal service at 2:30pm.

Google Map:

Condolences

Kelley Bausch Jun 17, 2024

Friend ,Gladstone ,Missouri

Sending you all the love, prayers upon prayers for peace and comfort and big hugs... until you meet again! Love, Kelley and Greg Bausch

Bobbie Jun 17, 2024

Cousin ,Kansas City ,Kansas

My thoughts, prayers, and love for you all during this difficult time. XOXO Cousin Bobbie & family

Elizabeth and Tim Overby Jun 17, 2024

Friend ,Kansas city ,Missouri

We love you guys so much and cannot even begin to imagine what you are going through. More than anything we loved watching you guys love one another. Praying for you and your family.

Shannon Hill Jun 17, 2024

Friend ,Kansas City

I’m so sad to hear this news. Tommy was so sweet and loving and truly was a friend to all!! He gave the best hugs for sure. My heart goes out to Karel and his family. The world got a lot less bright without him in it.

John & Diann LaBella Jun 17, 2024

Friend ,Gladstone ,Missouri

We are truly saddened by this news. Tommy was a ray of sunshine. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless.

Dee Decker Jun 17, 2024

Acquaintence ,Gladstone ,Missouri

Tommy will be missed by so many! I only knew him from Lost Bar. He always seemed so happy and vibrant and willing to help anyone and everyone! There is nothing I can say or do that will help Karel and the family with their grief at this time. Just know that your friends and family love you and are there for you!

Robin Shuman Jun 17, 2024

Friends ,Saint Joseph ,Missouri

Thoughts and prayers to the family. Sorry for your loss. He was a good man

Todd Pfeiffer Jun 17, 2024

What a great guy and such a big loss. So sorry Karel and family - god bless.

Kathy Romey Jun 17, 2024

Friend

Karel, praying so very hard for you to find peace and strength during this tragic time. Tommy was such an incredibly friendly human. I don't think I ever saw him angry or mean to anyone! I know your whole world just crashed without any warning. Let your friends take care of you right now. Tommy joined Billy and Phil up in Heaven. His spirit will be watching over you and the girls.

Glenda Staples Jun 17, 2024

Friend ,Gladstone ,Missouri

Karel and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad I knew Tommy. He was a great guy and always made me smile when I saw him. My heart goes out to you and I will keep you and your family in my prayers and thoughts. Cherish the memories you had with him and know that he will always be with you. With sympathy, Glenda Staples

Frankie Campobasso Jun 17, 2024

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Sincere Condolences to Karel and all of Tommy's Family and Friends. Godspeed Tom.

Randy Dearing Jun 17, 2024

Friend ,Gladstone ,Missouri

Drynda & I are shocked by the loss of Tommy! Our condolences to Carol and the family! He was a great guy and will certainly be missed & remembered! Love, Randy & Drynda

Rosemary Howell Jun 17, 2024

To Karel & Family, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers, and the thoughts & prayers of everyone at UBG. I have so enjoyed getting to know Tommy in the last few years, both in person and through Karel's stories! Love from Rosemary

Tammy Tracy Jun 17, 2024

Friend ,Florida

It was truly an honor to know Tommy. He could always put a smile on your face. Watching Tom and Karel together was watching the perfect couple most of us would be honored to have the love they shared. Karel my thoughts and hugs are with you and your family.

Audri Caldwell (Hush) Jun 17, 2024

My heart hurts for you 3 amazing women. I am truly sorry and my heart goes out to all 3 of you!

Mikey Jun 17, 2024

Friend (brother from another mother) ,Independence ,Missouri

I'm at a loss for words. I keep listening to our song "The Brothers" by Corey Stevens and can't hold back the tears. I love you brother. "You and me are brothers to the end"

Jackie Burnette Jun 17, 2024

Karel and family, My deepest condolences. Tommy was such a sweetheart. He will be missed. It was honor to be in your wedding party so many years ago. Where did the years go? Love to you and prayers for comfort. RIP Tommy. 💔

Michele Hooks Jun 17, 2024

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Wardell and I are heartbroken and truly at a loss to hear of Tommy’s passing. We love him like a brother and will continue to pray for the family.🙏🏼

Michael and Rebecca Parton Jun 17, 2024

Friends ,Mountain Home ,Arkansas

Rebecca and I want to send our deepest sympathy to the Batres Family. Tommy was a great person and will be missed by many. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Tia Alice Murray, Becky & Mike Clark Jun 17, 2024

Tia, Cousin ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Dear Karel and Family, Sending our heartfelt sympathies and prayers as you go through this most difficult time. May you feel comfort from our God and Christ above and protection from Angels surrounding you even more now through this grief. We will cherish the lifetime we were blessed to have with Tommy! The joy he shared, and the love he extended to all, will forever be in our hearts and an example of a life worth living! Tia Alice Murray, cousins Becky and Mike Clark and Families Johnson and Lowe.

Gina and Jack Guthier Jun 17, 2024

Friend ,KC ,Missouri

Jess, Karel, Lauren and sweet babies…we send you much love and warmth at this time of loss. You are all in our prayers and thoughts. God is here in the midst of it all lean on Him for comfort and strength.

David Beane Jun 17, 2024

Lost Bar Friend ,Parkville ,Missouri

Karen, I’m so sorry for you, your family, and all of Tommy’s huge circle of friends. I was shocked when Bruce called Friday night to tell me y’all were at St. Luke’s, and then stunned when he called back a short time later to tell me he was gone. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Julie Caster Jun 17, 2024

Friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Karel, I'm so very sorry to hear about Tommy. My heart breaks for you and your family. Love. ♥️

James Cindrich Jun 18, 2024

Friend ,Gladstone ,Missouri

I am extremely sorry for your loss. Tommy’s incredible integrity as a man, a loyal husband to Karel, (his love for her was rare and as true as I have ever witnessed, as a wonderful loving father and as one of God’s children, a fine ambassador to heaven, will be missed dearly and the world, in all of our hearts who knew him, will never feel as warm as an evening or day spent with Tommy and Karel. Tommy’s death will leave a huge void in the lives of so many. Tommy, I love you and I will see you soon enough in paradise. I look forward to you showing me around the place. I feel especially sad for Karel, the girls, and for Jeff and Mary Cook. Tommy shared his love for all of you on a regular basis with me. Tommy is probably the nicest person I have ever known. I will always be grateful to have had the opportunity to be a close friend of Tommy’s. Sincerely and with a broken heart, Jim C.

Janet Seymour Jun 18, 2024

We worked together at Ford ,Kearney ,Missouri

I have wonderful memories of Tom working with him at Ford Motor Company. My heart Goes out to his wife, Children, grandchildren, and all that loved him dearly. This world has truly lost a beautiful soul, but I will always remember his beautiful smile and his gentle ways.🙏🏻🥰

Sonya Granquist Jun 18, 2024

High school classmate ,Liberty

I remember Tommy being one of the first person I met from New Mark (I went to Antioch) when we went to Oak Park as freshman. We had first hour PE together. He was so friendly and always smiling. It’s sad to hear of his passing as such a young age. He will be greatly missed as he touched so many people’s lives — more than he may have realized or known. Hugs to Karel and the rest of his family

Joel & Diane Wiegers Jun 18, 2024

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

We were devastated to hear about Tommy’s passing. He was a special person who touched so many people with his laughter, singing and stories. It was obvious how much he loved his family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.❤️

Melissa Smith Brandon Jun 18, 2024

Friend ,Kansas City

Our circle of friends as we know it will never be the same. Tommy, I will miss your cherry bright smile, your huge bear hugs, your gentle kind words, and your warm personality that was bigger than LIFE itself!! Tommy and Karel shared a love that everyone dreamed of. Karel you were his “Babe” and he was so proud of you. Thank you both for sharing that love with everyone around you. You two were genuinely the example of True Love. Karel continue to walk in that love you shared with Tommy. Dwell on the wonderful sweet memories you have. You, the girls,the grand babies will be in my constant prayers. Please reach out to us for anything you all may need. You have a village of friends waiting to help. Lean on us. Rest in peace Tommy until we see you on the other side my friend!!!!

Danny Mata Jun 18, 2024

Friend ,Sibley ,Missouri

Sorry for your loss. Tommy will be missed. He was one of the good guys.

Deborah McKnight Jun 18, 2024

Lauren's grandmother in law ,Topeka

It says saddens my heart to hear the news about your Dad, my prayers are with you and your family. I'm here for you when you need me!!! All my love Gma McKnight.

The Deeney Family Jun 18, 2024

Softball Family ,Kansas City ,Missouri

We spent a lot of time at softball fields with the Batres family. Tommy was always so positive, supportive to all the girls on the team. His love and pride for his girls (Karel, Jessie and Lauren) showed in everything he did. He was a wonderful man. We are so sorry for your loss. Praying God comforts you and carries you through the sorrow. The Deeney Family

Leah Johnson Jun 19, 2024

Life long friend ,Liberty ,Missouri

Tommy was always a dear friend,I'm blessed to have had a friend like him.I'm sorry very sad for Karol,his girls,family,and friends.Tommy will very much be missed.

Andy Bielby Jun 19, 2024

Honored cousin ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Family-I never thought we would standing in this moment - Tommy was a very welcoming & compassionate person - when u met him you loved his person - it’s was that simple - I don’t know anyone who didn’t love him - I am forever grateful for all the serveral years & memories with the entire Batres- or (Z)- family - but Tommy even if he was in a down moment or needed consoling would always turn it around and make it about you - to all of his family and many many friends - please remember his love for you to get you thru any weak moments - and his infectious smile in your happy ones - im praying for all of us -I know how blessed we were to have Tommy in our lives - I’ll miss so much about him- but he will always be in my heart - I love you all - god speed

Lindsey Willsey Jun 19, 2024

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

You know and love Tommy in a different way than myself. His laugh was a joyous one and was a pillar of his personality. He loved his family deeply and vice versa. Happy to know him and all of you. Take care of yourselves and know he remains your biggest fan!! XOXO