Kottayam: Cartoonist Toms (V T Thomas), the creator of popular cartoon character Boban and Molly, passed away. He was 86.
Toms was undergoing treatment for age-related ailments at a private hospital in Kottayam. The end came around 10.30 pm on Wednesday.
Born to Athikulam Vaadakkal Thoppil Kunjuthomman and Cicily Thomas on June 20, 1929, Toms completed his graduation from Changanassery SB College. Though he joined the British Army as an electrician, he left the job after a month.
In 1952, he started drawing pocket cartoons in Kundumbadeepam and Kerala Bhooshanam. Also, his works found its place in Deccan Herald and Shankar's Weekly.
He created the characters based on the local residents of Veliyanad, his native village in Alappuzha.
In 1955, he joined Malayala Manorama as staff cartoonist. The same year he created Boban and Molly and launched the cartoon series. After 40 years of service, he quit Manorama and launched Toms Publications.
Toms is survived by wife Thresiakutty, children Peter, Molly, Boban, Rani, Bose and Dr Princy Biju.
His body will be laid to rest at Kottayam Lourdes Forane Church cemetery at 3 pm on Sunday.