Thomas Robert “T. R.” Minard, 48, of Olathe, Kan., died Dec. 18, 2025, in Pontiac, Mich. Mr. Minard was a 1996 Bayless High School graduate. He earned a degree in industrial/civil engineering from Missouri S&T and certifications from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He worked as an engineer for Brown and Caldwell. Born Oct. 30, 1977, in Chicago, Ill., he was the son of Cheryl Ann Wilmoth of St. Louis and the late John D. Minard. He was the stepson of the late Richard H. Wynkoop.
He is survived by two daughters: Alyssa Marie Minard and Holly Ann Minard, both of Olathe, Kan.; two aunts; several cousins and stepsiblings; his partner: Jennifer Shafer of Kansas; and many colleagues and friends.
A memorial gathering is scheduled from 1 p.m. until a memorial service at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main St., in De Soto. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.