Thomas Wills Gartrell

Thomas Wills Gartrell, age 86, of Country Club Retirement Campus at Dover and formerly of New Philadelphia died Wednesday, February 29, 2012, in Union Hospital at Dover following a period of declining health.

A son of the late Bernie and Frances (Wills) Gartrell, Tom was born at Warren, Ohio on June 15, 1925. He was a 1943 graduate of Midvale High School and entered in to the United States Army Air Corp during World War II. Tom served as a mechanic and an instructor for the Jeep engine motor pool at Manila, Philippines where he was stationed.

On June 24, 1950 he married the former Leah Ruth Halderman and together reared a family that includes three children.

For a number of years, Tom worked for the former I.F. Ridge Tool and Warner & Swasey Company at New Philadelphia. He also spent a number of years as a small engine repair teacher at Buckeye JVS.

Tom is a longtime member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia as well as a member of the Lincoln Continental Owners Club. Additionally, he was a member of the Carrolton Lodge # 124 F & A.M. the Scottish Rite at Canton. He was an avid car enthusiast who was well known for his love of classic cars, especially those produced by the Ford Motor Company.

In addition to his wife of 60 years, Tom is survived by two daughters, Francie (Jeff) Wright of Dover and Susan Konsker of New York, and a son, Tom (Pam) Gartrell of Strasburg. Three grandchildren, Angela Honda, Alex Konsker, and Joel Bente; two great-grandchildren, Chloe Honda and Zakari Honda; two sisters -in-law, Mary Jo (Larry) Ross of Missouri and Lori Haldeman of West Virginia; A brother-in-law, Jim (Peggy) Halderman of Colorado and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by two sons-in-law, Gordon Konsker and Lynn Bente and a grandson, Josh Bente.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 2, 2012 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover where a Masonic Lodge of Sorrow will be held at 6:45 PM. Pastor Tim McCollum will lead a memorial service on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 1:30 PM in the Otterbein United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia. Inurnment will follow in the East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia.

Following services, the family wishes to invite guests to join them in the church social hall where a meal and fellowship will be shared.

Memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be directed to Otterbein United Methodist Church, 156 Beaver Avenue, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.