Obituary of Thomas Paul McLafferty

Thomas Paul McLafferty, 79, of California, KY, peacefully went to Heaven at St. Elizabeth Hospice, Edgewood, KY, on March 25, 2025.  Most assuredly he was greeted there by his parents, Thomas L. McLafferty and Helen (Carrino) McLafferty, sisters Sue Bayes and Sharon Rose McLafferty, brother Mike McLafferty and Tom’s “dog of a lifetime,” Buster.

Tom was born in Foster, OH, on April 7, 1945, the 2nd oldest in a family of what would be 11 children.  It was a role Tom relished and used as leverage to tease and harass his younger siblings when needed.  He spent his childhood in Independence, KY and attended St. Cecilia and Simon Kenton schools.  After high school, Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he earned many medals and accolades for his skills as a marksman. After his service in the Corps, Tom worked for chemical manufacturer Emery Industries, now known as Emery Oleochemicals. 

Tom always lived an unconventional lifestyle.  He was fiercely independent and lived life on his own terms.  He was never driven to obtain materialistic things; rather, he enjoyed the simpler things in life: an old Clint Eastwood movie, his favorite movie “Mountain Men,” re-runs of westerns on TV, a game of golf with buddies.  He especially loved being outdoors and messing with his changing menagerie of animals—mules, horses, alligator, cows — to name a few.  Constants in his life, however, were his beloved chickens and dogs.  In addition to his animals, he loved spending time with people he loved.  “Bull crapping” around a fire, in the driveway or on the phone, spinning tall tales of his adventures - embellished only slightly - telling jokes galore.  Nothing made Tom happier than to bring a smile or laugh to someone, even if they were strangers, which they weren’t for very long with Tom.  Tom especially held a soft spot in his heart for children.  Kids were drawn to Tom’s larger- than-life personality, his almost believable stories, his countless jokes and sight gags, and his generous nature.  Tom was a role model to many with his warm and caring heart.

Although Tom didn’t attend formal religious services as an adult, his belief and faith in the God from his childhood were strong and important to him.   He aimed to live his life fairly and justly.  Although Tom was strong as an ox and sometimes came off as gruff or stern, he had a heart of gold and would help anyone who needed it.  Whether you knew him as Tom, Mac, Dogman, Pops, Papaw or something else, you knew one of the best, and he will be greatly missed.

Tom leaves behind his daughter Melissa (Keith) Foscardo; his siblings, Mary Bertolini, Dick (Annie) McLafferty, Joe (Joyce) McLafferty, Jerry McLafferty, Sheila Powers (Michael),  Bob McLafferty, and Mary Lou (Jim) Beyersdoerfer; special loved ones Sherry Butler, Willie (Stephanie) Butler, Mandy (Charlie) Mitchell, Kayley (Riley) Woosley, Parker Wales, Jagger Mitchell, Celia and Cynthia Woosley; several nieces and nephews; dear friends near and far; and his best girl, Dixie dog.

Donations in Tom’s name may be made online or by mail to St. Elizabeth Hospice, 483 S. Loop Rd, Edgewood, KY 41017. To donate online, please use the following link. 

A private celebration of life will be held for Tom at the convenience of the family.  Friends and family will gather to “bull crap” in true Tom fashion by sharing memories and stories, finding solace in one another's company, and honoring the legacy he leaves behind. Please check back soon for further details.

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