Thomas Earl Haldeman

Thomas Earl Haldeman, 77, of Gnadenhutten, died Saturday, February 15, 2014 in Union Hospital at Dover.

A son of the late Wilson and Mary (Berdel) Haldeman, Thomas was born November 9, 1936 at Bolivar, Ohio.

Thomas graduated from Bolivar High School in 1954. He then entered the United States Navy on October 31, 1956 and received his honorable discharge on July 16, 1960. During his time in the Navy Thomas became skilled as an electrician and after his discharge he worked for RCA at Cambridge, Ohio. He then retired from the Hoover Company at North Canton.

He was extremely handy and he enjoyed repairing clocks. Thomas was also talented with leather and he made numerous items over the years including belts, wallets and purses which he enjoyed giving to others. He enjoyed making breakfast for his family and friends as well as listening to bluegrass music and yodeling. Thomas was an avid fisherman and hunter and many of his fishing trips included his friends Doe and Zeke as well as a good breakfast.

He is survived by his children, Jenny (Darrell) Kalp and Elizabeth Houston both of New Philadelphia and Kenny (Lisa) France of Dover; his grandchildren, Michael Houston of Lakewood, Ohio, Christopher Kalp of New Philadelphia, Brandon France of Dover and Jill France of Cleveland and many other extended family members. Thomas also enjoyed the company of his cats, Morris, Benny, Rosie and Penelope.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gloria Jean (Vierheller) Haldeman whom he married on July 24, 1970; a son, Fred France; a grandson, Nicholas France; a sister, Bonnie Haldeman and a brother-in-law, Harry Vierheller.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Cremation will follow the visitation and a graveside service will be held in East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 11 a.m. Following the committal service a luncheon will be held in the Geib Family Center at New Philadelphia.

Contributions may be made in Thomas’ memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.