A. Thomas Jenkins

A. Thomas “Tom” Jenkins, age 78, a lifelong resident of Dover, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 following a period of declining health.

Born at Dover, Ohio on December 28, 1935, Tom was a son of the late Louis and Lillian (Lindberg) Jenkins.

Prior to his graduation from Dover High School, Tom served a two year apprenticeship with the Timken Roller Bearing Company at Canton where he learned his trade as a tool and die maker. He briefly attended Kent State University at Tuscarawas. He served the General Electric Company at Dover for 43 years as a tool and die maker. Throughout his years of service, Tom was a group leader and was recognized on numerous occasions for his suggestions and implementation by re-using tungsten parts from previously discarded quartz furnaces. This project alone resulted in a significant savings to the company.

Tom was an avid fisherman who enjoyed vacationing at Lake Erie with his family and friends. He also enjoyed spending Sundays at Tappan Lake where he took his family water skiing. He loved being out of doors hiking with his daughters, grandchildren and favorite dog, Coalie. Spending time at Wheeling Island with his wife and good friends, Doris and Ralph Inverso, being in fellowship with his neighbors and friends during special events and parties which were held in his neighborhood were among other activities that Tom enjoyed. He was proud to have built his own home with the help of his family in 1974 and was a member of the Dover Moose and the Zoar Sportsman’s Club.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of nearly 58 years, the former Patricia Cross, whom he married on May 16, 1956; a son, Dave (Robin) Jenkins of New Philadelphia; two daughters, Barbara Tomlinson of Dover and Wendy (Mike) Leach of New Philadelphia; a son-in-law, Paul Durbin of Malvern; grandchildren, Michelle Gopp, Becky Zurfley, Zach and Sarah Leach, Nathan and Morgan Jenkins and Macy Tomlinson, and five great-grandchildren.

Completing the family is a sister, Betty Lou Rothacher of Fallbrook, Californina, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by a daughter, Jo Ann Durbin and her children, Amanda and Jonathan Durbin and a brother, “Bup” Jenkins.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to services on Saturday April 26, 2014, from 9:30 – 10:30 AM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor Brian Flood will lead a service in the funeral home’s chapel on Saturday at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. Following services, all are invited to share in a time of food and fellowship in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be directed to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.