Thomas Harvey Lautenschlager, 85, passed away Thursday, September 12, 2019 at Chapel Hill Assisted Living in Canal Fulton, Ohio. Born in Akron, Ohio to Kennith and Betty Lautenschlager, Tom graduated from Kenmore High School. Tom met his wife, Eunice, after graduating in 1955 from Mount Union College. Shortly after, he proudly served two years in the United States Army. After the service, he returned to the family business, South Akron Hardware, later retiring from Stambaugh’s Hardware in Canton, Ohio. During his retirement, Tom worked part time at Manchester Hardware in New Franklin. Survived by his wife of 60 years, Eunice; children Lori Lautenschlager, Kennith (Melanie) Lautenschlager and Jennifer (Shawn) Sovocool; grandchildren (the light of his eyes) Kevin (Jennifer) Buehrle, Samantha Buehrle, Tyler & Madeline Fitzgerald; great grandbaby coming March 2020. “I never knew how much love my heart could hold til someone called me Grandpa.” An avid sports fan, he loved coaching and watching baseball, the Green Bay Packers & following his alma mater the Mount Union Purple Raiders. Dad touched the lives of so many with his kind heart and quick wit and will most be remembered for his love of cookies, ice cream, dislike of anything chicken, the ability to fix anything, his patience and most importantly his strong work ethic, support, love and devotion to his family. A special thank you to the staff at Chapel Hill for the care and compassion you have shown our dad (and mom) the last six years.
To our mother, who drove to the nursing home every day to be with and care for our dad, THANK YOU. We can’t tell you enough how much we admire your strength and dedication. You are loved and appreciated beyond words.Funeral Service will be MONDAY 6:00 p.m. at CHAPEL HILL COMMUNITY, 12200 Strausser NW, Canal Fulton, Ohio and where friends may call MONDAY 5:00 p.m. until time of service. Chaplain Erin Proie and Judge Todd McKenney officiating. Private burial with Military Honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Tom’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131.
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