Thomas M. Yankee, Pharm.D., Ph.D., 1970-2017 of Overland Park, Kansas for the last 12 years; loving husband and best friend of Davia (Christine), nee Worthen; dedicated son of Eileen (nee Martin) and the late Joseph; cherished brother of David (Susan); beloved son-in-law of Woodrow and Aleta Worthen; dear brother-in-law of Melony (Ivan) Bailey and Andrea (Frank) Falcon; fond uncle of Alice, Katie, Christopher, Andrew, Alyssa, Meg, and Julia.

Tom was a gifted teacher and researcher at The University of Kansas Medical Center and an active parishioner of Church of the Holy Cross.  At KUMC he served as Scientific Director of the Flow Cytometry Core Laboratory, chaired several committees and was an Associate Professor with joint appointments in the departments of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, and Immunology as well as Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology.

Tom inspired his students, research assistants and colleagues with his tireless and thorough efforts and his ability to explain immunology and other difficult subject matter to medical students.  For two weeks his KUMC colleagues and students inspired and encouraged him with their many thoughtful hospital visits while he recovered from surgery and prepared to battle cancer.  The members of his KUMC laboratory and colleagues at Children's Mercy Hospital with whom he has been collaborating will continue their research efforts to develop anti-cancer immunotherapy and immunomodulatory therapy for use in solid organ transplantation.

Visitation, Friday 5 to 8 p.m., and Funeral Prayers, Saturday 9:15 a.m., at Lawrence Funeral Home 4800 N. Austin Ave., Chicago to St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Mass 10 a.m.  Interment All Saints Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Church of the Holy Cross Memorial Fund; https://holycrossopks.weshareonline.org or St Robert Bellarmine Catholic School; https://srbschoolchicago.wordpress.com would be appreciated.  For information 773-736-2300 or www.lawrencefh.com .