Kansas Motor Carriers Association

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Tom Whitaker, past Executive Director of the Kansas Motor Carriers Association, on April 22, 2026. He was 73 years old.

Tom joined KMCA in 1982 and spent 40 years as one of Kansas trucking's most trusted voices at the Statehouse — known by legislators and fellow advocates alike as the first call and the last word on the industry. He served as Executive Director from 2000 until his retirement in November 2022. He greeted every day with optimism, humor, and genuine care for the people around him.

KMCA will honor Tom at our Annual Convention in Manhattan, Kansas, on September 10, 2026.

If you have a memory of Tom — a story, a moment, something he said that stuck with you — we'd love to hear it. Please share in the comments below. 💙

Read his full obituary: https://www.dovetopeka.com/obituaries/thomas-whitaker