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Tom Wortman Obituary
- - January 22, 1941- August 11, 2018
Carl Thomas Wortman, 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 11th at his home surrounded by his wife Nancy and family. He fought a courageous battle with cancer for the past eight years.
A Celebration of Life is being held Thursday, August 16th, 2018 at First United Methodist Church of Newark, Ohio, where Tom was a 40-year member. The service will be conducted by Pastor Scott Campbell and will begin at 2:00pm in the sanctuary. Calling hours will precede the service from 11am-2pm. A fellowship meal will follow at the church. Brucker & Kishler Funeral Home and Cremation is providing the cremation services.
Tom was born and raised in Newark and was a 1959 graduate of Newark High School where he exceled in academics and sports. He was one of two student/athletes to have earned 12 varsity letters, as well as the Loyd Millisor Outstanding Athlete Award. His achievements later garnered him a place in the NHS Athletic Hall of Fame. He went on to play football at Muskingum College where he earned various accolades, including the 1960 conference championship. He transferred to Middle Tennessee State University where he was a member of the track team. He earned various awards and obtained a BS degree in Education.
It was at MTSU were he met his wife Nancy (Sullivan) from Manchester, Tennessee. It was a memorable first meeting of her future husband: he walked across the college cafeteria on his hands, flipped up onto his feet, stuck out his hand and said, "Hi, I'm Tom Wortman, wanna go out Saturday night? " That date led to others and eventually resulted in a marriage of 54 years.
Upon graduation from MTSU in 1965, he held various coaching and teaching positions in Georgia. Among other things, he received the AAA State Basketball Coach of the Year. In 1977, he returned to his hometown and alma mater to coach football and teach at Newark High School and Wilson Middle School. For several years, he led the local Fellowship Of Christian Athletes chapter. He retired from teaching in 2004, but continued to coach football and track at NHS until 2010.
After retirement, one of Tom's favorite pastimes was playing golf while spending time with his friends. He loved visiting his children, grandchildren and favorite grand dog Sadie in Tennessee. Whether it was attending various family events, VIP treatment at shows or watching his son coach his own teams, he cherished the time spent with his family.
Whenever he would run into former students or they would stop by to visit and talk; it reminded him why he chose that career.
He is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Julie Wortman, son Barry Wortman, grandson Austin Wortman (Katelyn), great-grandson Eli, brother Jeff Wortman (Jo Doris, son Scott (Heather) and numerous extended family members. His parents Robert Wortman and Diana Seufert Wortman precede him in death.
2 Timothy 4: 7 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
In lieu on flowers, please make memorial donations to:
First United Methodist Church of Newark, Ohio
Memoriam - Tom Wortman
88 N. Fifth St.
P. O. Box 729
Newark, Ohio 43058
Or
The TJ Martell Foundation
"Music's promise for curing cancer"
https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/TJMartellFoundation/OnlineDonation.html#.W3GGj62ZMdV
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tom Wortman
Sponsored by Brucker & Kishler Funeral Home.
Joe Heard
December 3, 2018
Coach Wortman was more than a coach he was a great friend and mentor of mine.He never told me anything that was not dead on the money never lead us wrong about anything.I loved this guy as a friend and a coach Mrs Nancy Coach will be truley missed and the people that missed knowing him are at a Great Lose I got to know you thru him and you were a pleasure also Thanks for that !! Joe Heard Newton Co Rams # 82
December 3, 2018
My coach. Part of who I am now. I've carried you with me. Thank you, Gerry Katz
Nancy Wortman
September 16, 2018
From Tom's wife, Nancy Wortman & family :
We really appreciate all the wonderful, loving comments and memories you have shared here in this "Guestbook". It's been a little over a month since Tom left this earth for heaven. Miss him so much every day but your comments are comforting and enjoyable to read !
God's blessings ❤.
Jamie (Tominack) Hayes
August 16, 2018
I'm very sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. I have great memories coaching track with him at Newark. I'll never forget him, and I know our athletes won't either. The Wortman family is in my thoughts.
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Sandy Stoker
August 16, 2018
I taught with Tommy at Wilson for many years. He learned to use e-mail in my library and said it changed his life because he could be in closer contact with his family. I'm glad that happened. My condolences on his loss. He'll be missed.
Larry Hunter
August 16, 2018
So Sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Glad I just recently had the opportunity to tell his wife that he was one of my idols when he was playing for NHS.>
Matt Mosher
August 16, 2018
He was 'tough as nails' but I really enjoyed his class.
Angela (Armstrong) Parker
August 16, 2018
Mr. Wortman was a great and awesome teacher. I went to Wilson Middle School when he taught there. He will be sadly missed. To the Wortman family: Sorry for you loss, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
August 15, 2018
Dear Nancy,Julie,and Barry .
I just wanted to send my love and prayers to you at this time of loss.
I won't be able to come to the celebration of Toms life, I'll be out of town.
I remember Tom as being a great family man. I also remember about him that he had a great sense of humor! You all will be in my thoughts and prayers Thursday. I really hate I won't get to see Julie and Barry it's been a long time.
God bless you all. Sandi Reitter
John Maier
August 15, 2018
Nancy- so sorry to hear about your loss. Tommy was a great guy. I always enjoyed my conversations with him. Corey, our son, loved playing football for him at Newark High School.
Andrew Shoults
August 15, 2018
One of the best teachers I ever knew. Definitely the best coach I ever had. He was a part of my life from the seventh grade all the way through high school. He taught me about a lot more than just football, and pole vaulting. He was a big influence in my life and I am sad to learn of his passing. I wish I had told him in person.
Jeff Jones
August 15, 2018
Prayers to the Wortman family at this time of loss. The world has lost a great man that impacted the lives of so many young people through his teaching and coaching career! I feel very blessed to have coached with him at NC...sharing the memories would take days. There will never be another quite like him. RIP Tommy
Marilyn Boyling Roan
August 15, 2018
Nancy and Family,
I am sorry for your loss of Tom. He was a very special man. I went to school with him from the First grade at Roosevelt thru NHS. He was a star athlete and I recall cheering him on.
He will be missed and his star ever shining.
Richard Burden
August 15, 2018
Rest in peace coach you taught me a lot about life playing defense for you at Newark Catholic
Greg Wince
August 15, 2018
Mayor , Nancy and family,
It seems like yesterday that we were all playing kick the can together with Tommy at your house on Grafton and listening to the Reds in the basement with your Dad. I enjoyed playing golf with you two at our reunion and feel like losing Tom is losing a joyful part of many of our lives. He was Mr. Newark! Love and my deepest sympathy. Greg Wince
Darrell Wanserske
August 15, 2018
Nancy
I am very sorry for your loss. Coach will be greatly missed by so many people who knew him. I will miss seeing him at my office he was always quick to smile and made my day a little brighter. He was truely a good friend and will be missed.
August 14, 2018
Dear Nancy and family.........may the peace and love of the Lord be with you now in your time of grief....I went to Roosevelt and Newark High with Tom.......the great class of "59".....he was quite a guy and what a great athlete! Our sincere condolences........
Diana and Jerry Robinson
Emily Nichols
August 14, 2018
Tom was a great guy! He was one of my teachers in school. Something I really loved about him was his sense of humor. He always knew how to make people laugh. He will be deeply missed! Hope heaven is ready for laughs! They definitely received an awesome angel! Rest in Peace Tom! God be with you til we meet again!
Prayers and condolences!
Carole Brooks
August 14, 2018
Dear Nancy & Family,
David joins me in sending our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Tom will always be Tommy to me. We were in the first grade together at Roosevelt. He was a great guy and was a outstanding athlete all through school. He will be missed by many! In deepest sorrow,
Carole Boyling Brooks.
Jim R. Woolard
August 14, 2018
Tom and I grew up in north Newark. I was born one day earlier. We played basketball together our senior year at Newark High. Tom was a personable man who valued friendship. He was always interested in how other people were doing. My youngest son enjoyed having him for a football coach at Nrewak Catholic. This world lost a good man who cared.
Carole Strear
August 14, 2018
Sorry to hear about Tom's passing. We were in Latin class together. My daughter, Jamie had him as a teacher and my grandson, Treg Smart had him as a football coach.
Michael Straud
August 14, 2018
Sorry for passing. I have fond memories of Tom
David DeLong
August 14, 2018
We are deeply saddened by Tom's passing. Sincere condolences to Nancy, Julie, Barry, Jeff, and extended family. Tom was one of a kind, and he positively motivated hundreds of students and athletes to strive to do their best. He was a supreme story teller, and wherever he went there was fun to be had. He was an excellent father who helped raise two wonderful, highly successful children-Julie and Barry. Some people cannot be replaced; Tom was one of those people. He was a unique blend of kindness and toughness. Stories about his days as an athlete, student, coach, and mentor will live for many decades. He will be Sorely Missed. RIP, Good Friend.
Lynne Dolan-Rotruck
August 14, 2018
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
August 14, 2018
Mayor,
Deepest sympathy to you and all the Wortman family. Your "broth" was indeed a special person. May he rest in peace.
Mayor,
J. Fink
Diann Caudill
August 14, 2018
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Diann and Larry Caudill
Frieda Engler
August 14, 2018
Sorry for your loss, went to school with tom, bless you and your family
Carol Taylor
August 14, 2018
So sorry for your loss. What a great man and he was a role model for so many. Sincere sympathy to the family. RIP Mr. Wortman
Eileen Atwell
August 14, 2018
Such a Great Man! In his Love, His Faith and his Friendship! Nancy you have been a strong and amazing wife , mother and friend. Stay strong and always remember the fun and fancy you two shared.
August 13, 2018
Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. I saw the picture on my phone and this my wife I should call. When we were together it was the only tome he and I ever spoke. I know he loved you and will look out for you and please remember him fondly. God bless rich norris
Betty Yoak
August 13, 2018
A good man gone to heaven. I had the honor of having you as a teacher in Wilson Jr. High. My husband and 2 sons had the honor of having you as a football coach at Newark High. May you rest in peace. Our family sends our condolences to the Wortman family. May God give you strength and comfort. God Bless
Natalie Prescott (Yost)
August 13, 2018
Mr. Wortman was coaching during my track years at Wilson and NHS! There were a lot of times that he has pushed me to be the best and I can't thank him enough for me to get state experience twice! He was always my pain but I respected him because he is a great man and loves doing his job! He will be missed and I will always remember him! I am so sorry for your loss!
Natalie Prescott (Yost) NHS Class of 2006
Jim Cannon
August 13, 2018
My condolences to the family. He was our coach, teacher, and mentor from 1981-1984. He is still the topic of many stories over three decades later. His impact on me and my team mates can't be understated. The number people he influenced positively is remarkable. Rest In Peace. You will be truly missed.
Terri Fetzner
August 13, 2018
Dear Nancy, I am so very sorry for your loss. Coach was a remarkable man and positively will be missed by many. I often remember our wonderful conversations...with you as well. He really fought a good fight! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
August 13, 2018
Nancy and family,
My prayers are surrounding you as you celebrate the rich life you shared with a remarkable man.
Sherry Russell
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