Tom Daniel Thomas

Tom Daniel Thomas, 82, of Oakton, Virginia and formerly of New Philadelphia, died Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at his home.A son of the late David and Florence (Rummell) Thomas, Tom was born January 1, 1925 at Brightwood, OhioTom was a 1942 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and a 1955 graduate of Kent State University.He held many different occupations over the years. In 1940, Tom had worked as a barker for the Cole Brothers Circus and from 1940 through 1943, he worked as an Usher at the Union Opera House at New Philadelphia. Tom then became involved in education. He taught school from 1943 through 1961 in districts throughout Tuscarawas County. During this time he served as a principle at New Cumberland, Dundee, Tuscarawas and Roswell School Districts.Tom also was involved with the National Park Service where he worked as a seasonal employee in Washington D.C. and Shenandoah, Virginia from 1951 to 1961. Following his retirement from teaching, he became a full time employee for the National Park Service until his retirement in 1989. During those years, he was involved with National Parks such as, Shenandoah in Virginia, Yosemite in California and Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. He also served at Harpers Ferry Training Center in West Virginia, he was the Chief Training Officer in Washington D.C. and the Director of International Seminar in Ann Arbor, Michigan.He is survived by two sons, Larry (Cheryl) Thomas of Grand Haven, Michigan and Gregory (Sharon) Thomas of Linden, Virginia; granddaughters, Angela and Eileen Thomas; two nieces, Kay Specht of New Philadelphia and Ruthann Thomas of Dover and two nephews, Rick Thomas of Cardwell, Montana and William Thomas of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Helen G. Thomas.Family and friends may call on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Tom’s life will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Chapel on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. with Dr. Rev. Terry Downin officiating. Burial will follow in East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Following the committal service, a memorial reception will held in the Geib Family Center at New Philadelphia.Memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s honor to VITAS Hospice, 1604 Spring Hill Rd, Suite 450, Vienna, VA 22182.