Thomas E. Gaisford

Thomas E. Gaisford, 80, of Payne, passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at Parkview Regional Medical Center.

Tom was born in Antwerp on January 30, 1938, a son of the late Ethel (Cromley) and Leroy  Gaisford.

He was a design engineer at International Harvester for 39 years.

Tom will be sadly missed by his wife, Janice (Faulkner) whom he married Jan. 23, 1999; children, Kathy (Michael) Laney, Kyle, Kirk (Carla) & Kip (Robin) Gaisford; step children, Tonya Thompson, Ricky (Shelly) Grimes, Tammy Wagaman, Tara (Pat) Hannahs & Troy (Kirsten) Yenser; siblings, Rita (Lawrence) Reising, Etta (Dave) Reece & Janet (Dean) Hood; sisters-in-law, Becky & Coni; 23 grandchildren & 14 great grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Billie (Ratliff) and siblings, John & Dean. 

His funeral service is 11 AM on Monday, December 17th at Antwerp Community Church, 704 Erie St, Antwerp, with viewing 10 - 10:45 am.

Viewing is also Sunday, 2-5 pm at Dooley Funeral Home, 202 W. River St., Antwerp.

He will be laid to rest at Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne.

Memorials are to The National Kidney Foundation.

Fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

TOM'S LIFE STORY

When reflecting on the life of Thomas Gaisford, it is easy to see that he made the most of each and every day he was given. He was hardworking and devoted to the people and things he loved with the never-ending ability to see the positive side in any situation. Tom was a loving husband and father, and there was nothing he treasured more than witnessing his family tree blossom to include the numerous branches of loved ones he adored. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

The 1930s were a time unlike any other in our nation’s history as the entire decade was firmly held in the grip of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, and although nearly all Americans felt the stress and strain of the time, there were still things to celebrate, such as the completion of the Empire State Building and the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was with great anticipation that Leroy and Ethel (Cromley) Gaisford greeted the new year in 1938, as they were expecting the birth of their first baby at any time. The big day finally arrived on January 30th, when the baby boy they named Thomas Eugene drew his first breath in Antwerp, Ohio.

The oldest of six in his family, Tom was raised alongside his siblings, Rita, Etta, John, Dean, and Janet. He was a bustle of activity and could often be found carrying around his pet squirrel. His parents owned Abe’s Restaurant in Antwerp, and Tom worked with his parents in the shop throughout his childhood and teen years. Tom was active in the Boy Scouts and enjoyed carving throughout his entire life. He attended local schools and graduated from Antwerp High School. From there Tom received an engineering degree from Purdue University.

Life was forever changed for Tom when he met the woman with whom he would raise the family he treasured. Her name was Billie Louise Ratliff, and it didn’t take them long to fall in love. With the desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Tom and Billie were married on January 16, 1958, at St. James Lutheran Church in Payne. Together they welcomed four children, including Kyle, Kirk, Kip and Kathy into their hearts and home. Tom was an active part of his children’s lives, including as a Boy Scout Leader for his sons. To support his family he worked as a design engineer at International Harvester for 39 years. In 1997, he was deeply saddened with the death of his wife, Billie. He was blessed to find love again, and on January 23, 1999, he married Janice Marlene Faulkner at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Payne.

Throughout his life, Tom was one to keep busy. He was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hunting, including squirrel, rabbits, and deer. Tom loved camping with family and friends and was a member of the Trailblazer Camping Club. Tom traveled all over the United States and took several cruises. He also spent his winters in Port Charlotte, Florida, for years. A lifelong part of his community, Tom was a member of the Antwerp Community Church and the Masonic Lodge in Payne. A man of many gifts and talents, he built his current home with his father-in-law, and he also owned his own trophy business. Tom loved the Buckeyes, Colts, and Green Bay Packers, as well as Fox News.

All who knew Thomas Gaisford would agree that there was no one quite like him. He never let things get the best of him and could see the positive side of life no matter the circumstances around him. Tom was deeply devoted to his family, and his love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was easy to see. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.

Thomas E. Gaisford, of Payne, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Tom will be sadly missed by his wife, Janice (Faulkner); children,  Kyle, Kirk (Carla), Kip (Robin) Gaisford and Kathy (Michael) Laney; step children, Tonya Thompson, Ricky (Shelly) Grimes, Tammy Wagaman, Tara (Pat) Hannahs & Troy (Kirsten) Yenser; siblings, Rita (Lawrence) Reising, Etta (Dave) Reece & Janet (Dean) Hood; sisters-in-law, Becky & Coni; 23 grandchildren &14 great grandchildren. Tom preceded in death by his first wife, Billie (Ratliff) and siblings, John & Dean. Tom’s funeral service is 11 a.m. on Monday, December 17th at Antwerp Community Church, 704 Erie St, Antwerp, with viewing 10 - 10:45 am. Viewing is also Sunday, 2-5 p.m. at Dooley Funeral Home, 202 W. River St., Antwerp. Tom will be laid to rest at Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne. Memorials are to The National kidney Foundation. Fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com