Timothy F. McNamara

McNAMARA Timothy F. McNamara, age 94, of Lewis Center, died Saturday, February 2, 2008 at Grady Memorial Hospital in Delaware. Born in Berlin Township in Delaware County on September 29, 1913, one of eight children of the late Thomas F. and Johanna (Ford) McNamara. He was a lifetime resident of Berlin and Orange Townships. After high school, he began to farm with the help of the shared labor and machinery of his five brothers. In addition to the dairy and grain farm, he was a school bus driver for the Olentangy School District for 17 years until 1976, as well as operating the McNamara Water Hauling service that supplied water to rural areas. He foresaw the development of the Columbus metropolitan area and recognized the need for a safe and reliable water supply in the surrounding areas. He, Ralph Scott, and Gerald Solt planned, obtained financing, and founded the Del-Co Water Company in 1968. Today that company has 40,000 water connections serving over 130,000 people, primarily in Delaware and Morrow County. He continued to serve on the Board of Directors until his retirement in 2003, at which time the "Tim McNamara Water Treatment Facility" on Old State Road was named in his honor. He was future oriented, never complacent, and always willing to help others in need. He enjoyed playing golf through his 80's, winter vacationing in Bradenton, Florida, and joining others for a good game of cards. His life centered on the activities and events of his endeared family and grandchildren. He was a member of St. Mary Church in Delaware, and will be remembered for his Irish wit, love of conversation, and generosity to friends and neighbors. Survived by his second wife of 13 years, Vi (Longshore) Cline McNamara; children, David T. McNamara of Shaker Heights, Daniel J. (Barb) McNamara of Delaware, Maureen (Thomas, PhD) Palardy of Frostburg, MD, and Timothy D. (Annette) McNamara of Lewis Center; stepchildren, Jerry (Jeani) Cline, Robert (Sue) Cline, Larry (Gladys) Cline, Doug (Kim) Cline, Sondra Ball, and Ronda (Randy) Michael. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 15 step grandchildren; 2 step great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his first wife of 51 years Helen G. "Jerry" (Morris) McNamara in 1991, brothers Thomas "Ed", William, Frank, Paul, and Harold, sisters Mary McNamara and Florence Darenkamp. Calling hours will be Wednesday, February 6, 2008 3:30-7:30 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at the DeVORE-SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 75 W. William St. (SR 36), Delaware, Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. on Thursday at St. Mary Church in Delaware, Rev. James Black and Rev. Kevin Kavanagh Co-celebrants. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary Church, 82 E. William St., Delaware, OH 43015 or Vans Valley Community Church, 14440 SR 37 E, Sunbury, OH 43074. Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com "Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries"