University community mourns death of Facilities Services painter Thomas Prescott

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas community is mourning the death of Thomas Prescott, a painter senior for Facilities Services. Prescott died Dec. 5. He was 66.

“Tom was a committed professional who was dedicated to his craft and was willing to put in extra effort to help to make our university a better place every day he showed up for work,” said Chancellor Douglas A. Girod. “We will miss him, and on behalf of the entire university, I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends and KU colleagues.”

Prescott had been with KU since 2005. He was honored as a KU Employee of the Month in July. 

Those who nominated Prescott for the award noted how he came in to work on a Sunday to repaint parking spots at the busy KU Visitor Center that were occupied during the week. “He cares about the university and wanted people coming to the Visitor Center to see those nice fresh painted curbs and accessible parking spots,” it was noted. 

A visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave. in Topeka.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Dec. 11 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 901 S.W. Fillmore in Topeka. Burial will follow at Topeka’s Mount Hope Cemetery.