Russell "Tom" S. Thomas

Russell "Tom" Thomas of Defiance, Ohio, passed away September 4, 2023, at Ebeid Hospice in Sylvania, Ohio surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on November 12, 1942, to Russell and Thelma Thomas in Toledo, Ohio.  He graduated from McComb High School in 1961 and served two tours in Vietnam with the U.S. Air Force 1961-1967.   
In 1967, he married Margaret (Maggie) Stoepfel.  He is survived by Maggie and four daughters, Mary (George) Carr, Tracy (Dan) Frederick, Lori (Tim) Nafziger, Toni (Mike) Hammersmith, two granddaughters, Tyler Carr and Tristen Frederick and five grandsons, Ryan Carr, Kyle Carr, TJ Nafziger, Ben Nafziger, and Eli Frederick; one great granddaughter, Nellie Carr, and sister Ruth McCullough of Texas. 
Tom retired from Johns Manville after 25 years. He was also the owner of Tom & Maggie’s Bar for 11 years.  He was a life member of Defiance Post VFW #3360 where he held several offices. Tom enjoyed camping, gardening, playing cards, family gatherings, dogs, baseball, NASCAR and drinking beer.  
There will be a private military service planned at a later date.
Family requests memorials go to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, CHP Defiance Hospice Center, or to a charity of donor’s choice.   
Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with arrangements.