Thomas Marx

Athens Thomas E. Marx, 74, of Athens passed away Sunday, September 22, 2024 at The Laurels of Athens, where he received loving and empathic care in his final days. Born September 26, 1949 in Toledo, he was the son of the late Robert Marx and Anne Walter Marx. Tom grew up in Toledo, where he graduated from DeVilbiss High School. He later enrolled at Ohio University to pursue a degree in history and also the woman who would later become is wife, Paula. After college, they set off for Michigan where Tom completed graduate coursework in counseling at Eastern Michigan University while working at Kroger. He loved living in Michigan and spoke fondly of his time there. This time in Michigan also cemented his fandom for the Michigan Wolverines and Detroit Lions.

After working as a social worker in central Ohio, he worked for almost 30 years as a licensed social worker at Athens County Children Services. He served in many roles and was particularly proud of his time leading the family preservation unit. Tom was passionate about supporting the needs of children and families through his work, as well as mentoring other social work staff. He was a beloved colleague and advocate for others.

Outside of his work, Tom was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where he formerly served on the board. He was also very active in the church's Monday Lunch program. Tom was a member of small groups for many years at church, where he developed close friendships. He was so thankful for the love and support of his friends in small group. In addition to church, Tom was a member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club of Athens, where he recently served as President. He was always eager to volunteer for the group's many fundraisers and volunteer activities in the community. Kiwanis helped him maintain a connection to nurturing children and families in Athens after he retired. He also enjoyed the wonderful friendships he developed through the club.

In addition to Tom's community involvement, he was a talented gardener always working on a new project in his beautiful garden. He especially enjoyed teaching his grandaughters how to dig holes and plant bulbs in the garden. One summer, he also cleared his own trail in his backyard for the grandkids to enjoy as their own secret garden space. Along with these hobbies, Tom loved walking and exercising alongside friends at the Athens Community Center. He also treasured visits to St. Augustine, Florida, his favorite getaway, and New Hampshire, where many cousins and other relatives lived and he loved to explore the beautiful mountain surroundings with them.

Above all else, Tom was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was so incredibly loved by his family who will miss him dearly and treasure the time they had with him. Tom was a loving, kind, gentle, interesting, and inquisitive person who brightened the day of anyone lucky enough to know him. He also made what is objectively the best pecan pie any person has ever produced, thanks in part to his mom's loving instruction on the art of pie making and also in part to his gift of showing love through cooking and baking.

Tom is survived by his wife of 46 years, Paula Noftz Marx; a daughter and son in law, Lindsey and Matthew Ward of Athens; two granddaughters, Madison and Gabby Ward; a step grandaughter, Parker Ward of Los Angeles, CA; a sister, Carol Tiller of Toledo; a sister in law, Susan Birch and her husband, George Birch of Frederick, MD; a sister in law, Bonnie Marx of Piqua; and a brother in law, Ed Bacon of Bryan. He is also survived by a numerous and very loving group of nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

Besides his parents he is preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Bacon, and a brother, Richard Marx.

All who knew Tom are invited to celebrate his life at his memorial activities Saturday, October 5 at the First United Methodist Church, 2 S. College St., Athens, OH 45701. This will begin with visiting hours from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., with the Memorial Service beginning at 12:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the church. Cremation arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. In lieu of flowers, contributions are encouraged in Tom's honor to the Athens County Food Pantry, Habitat for Humanity, or the Athens First United Methodist Church's Monday Lunch Program. Please share a memory, a note of condolence, or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com. Thomas Marx