Thomas McAlister

Thomas Keene McAlister, 78, was born on February 5, 1946, in Wellington and died following a long illness on April 28, 2024 surrounded by his family, at his home in Wichita. Tom is now resting with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Tom spent most of his life in Wellington. Tom and his wife, Gala, moved back to Wellington after their wedding, intending to stay only for the summer, but wound up making Wellington their lifelong home. Throughout his life, Tom demonstrated dedication to his family, his businesses, and his community.

Tom was a passionate sports fan and a talented athlete in his own right. He played basketball for Oklahoma State University under the esteemed Coach Henry Iba. His love for sports extended to supporting his favorite teams, including Oklahoma State University, Louisiana State University, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. More than a spectator, Tom loved supporting his grandchildren’s sporting events, always there cheering them on.

In his professional life, Tom was a force like no other. He proudly carried on the family business, McAlister Oil Company, and McAlister Transportation. He fondly remembered the 17 years he was the proud owner of the Scotsman Restaurant. Tom was incredibly passionate about restoring downtown Wellington, and he expressed this passion by acquiring and restoring real estate in the area. While Tom was dedicated to his work and watched it flourish, there was another side of him that thrived with simpler things. He was a renowned storyteller, often sharing his extensive knowledge and the rich history of Wellington. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years, working cattle, and recently, he had discovered a love for making jewelry.

Tom is survived by his wife, Gala McAlister, with whom he shared a beautiful life since their marriage on May 31, 1968.  Other survivors include his beloved daughters: Julie Leis and husband Doug of Wellington and Heather Shank and husband Scott of Eastborough, grandchildren: Mallory Poffinbarger and husband Devan, Avery Barker, Zachary Leis, Jay Shank and wife Anna, and Ellie Shank, 3 sisters: Judith Kelly and husband Bruce of Colleyville, Texas, Rebecca Hines of Denton, Texas and Patricia McAlister of Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Clare (Gilkerson) McAlister; sister, Caroline Davidson and his brother, Bill McAlister.

A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, 2024 with his family present to receive guests from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Funeral services for Tom will begin at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Wellington Freewill Baptist Church, Wellington. Interment will follow at Sumner Memorial Gardens, Wellington.

Memorial contributions can be given in his name to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, PO Box 414238, Boston, Massachusetts 02241, the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, Texas 75284 or the Wellington Freewill Baptist Church, 802 East 16th Street, Wellington 67152. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

Share a memory, leave condolences, or sign his digital tribute wall at www.cornejofuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, 1030 Mission Road, Wellington.