Elman Thomas Deering

Elman Thomas Deering, age 95, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2016.

He was born in Burke, S.D., on September 30, 1920, to the late John and Theresa (Boes) Deering. Tom served in the United States Army during World War II from 1943-1946, with the Fighting 69th Infantry Division, 272nd Infantry Regiment. During the Battle of the Bulge, Tom served as the Sargent of a machine gun squad. He attended South Dakota College and later graduated from Iowa State College in 1947. He worked with J.M. Cleminshaw Co. as a real estate appraiser, and later with Spalding Realty Co. of Akron. Tom was a long time member of Woodland United Methodist Church, Akron, Ohio.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Deering; his son, Shawn Deering; and eight siblings. Tom is survived by his daughter, Gemma (Tony) Giannantonio; sons, Thomas (Kay) and Leon Deering; grandchildren, Wendy (Christopher), T.J., Andy (Amy), Nick (Ryanne), and Joe; and great-grandchildren, Gianna, Roman, and Hudson.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2016, at 7 p.m. at Woodland United Methodist Church (444 North Hawkins Ave., Akron, OH 44313), with Rev. Debbie Gibbons, officiating. The family will receive guests from 6:30-7:00 PM, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Pathway Caring for Children (4895 Dressler Rd, Canton, OH 44718) or to Woodland United Methodist Church. Arrangements entrusted to the Mark R. Vrabel Funeral Home of North Canton, OH (330-452-4041).