John Thomas "Tom" Fellers was born on August 20, 1937, and went to join his Heavenly Father on April 2, 2023.

Tom's life was defined by his commitment to service and to his community, including being elected as the Mayor of Ashland.  Through the years, Tom was a member of various committees, including the Kansas Banking Association, USD220 School Board, Ashland Hospital Endowment Board, Kiwanis Club, and a limited partner of the Elm Grove Apartments.  Tom was an active member of the Ashland United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir much of his life.  His personal life centered around family gatherings, fishing, reading the Sunday paper, and his love of singing.  Tom married Phyllis Peterson on May 21, 1961, and together they had 4 children, Jacquelyn Cherie, David Craig, Thomas Scott, and Elizabeth Ann.

Tom was born in Dodge City, Kansas to Francis and Pauline Fellers, and moved to Ashland, Kansas in 1946.  Tom was a lifelong Kansas resident.  He graduated from Ashland High School and then attended Fort Hays State University, graduating in 1960 with two degrees, a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and a Master's Degree in Counseling.  After completing his studies, Tom accepted his first professional job as a Math and Science teacher in Scott City, a position he held for 2 ½ years.  In 1981, Tom accepted a new position as an entry level Assistant Cashier at Stockgrowers State Bank.  The next 50+ years of his career were devoted to the bank, where he worked his way through the ranks to President and CEO.  Under his stewardship, Tom expanded the bank's service area with the purchase of Bank IV in Meade, Coldwater Bank and Brook-Howell Insurance Agency, and through his participation in the development of the Bankers Bank of Kansas.  One of his crowning achievements was the construction of the new bank building in Ashland, which was completed in 1985.

Tom is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Phyllis Ruth Fellers of Goddard, Kansas; his children Jacquelyn Cherie Stearns and husband Jim of Goddard, KS; Thomas Scott Fellers and wife Ellea of Lawrence, KS; and Elizabeth Ann Wager and husband Jeff of Wichita, KS.  Tom and Phyllis were blessed with 7 grandchildren (Alex, Andrew, Katie, John, Hunter, Natalie and Austin) and 6 great-grandchildren (Benjamin, Charlotte, Arthur, Tristen, MacKenzie and Donovan).  Tom is also survived by a multitude of extended family, dear friends and former colleagues.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Francis and Pauline, by his brother, Robert, and by his infant son, David Craig.

Visitation with Family Present will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater, KS.

Funeral Service is at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Ashland Bible Church in Ashland, KS, with Pastor Rick Branson presiding.

Burial will follow the funeral service at Highland Cemetery in Ashland, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Ashland Bible Church or Ashland Community Foundation in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.