Thomas Fetch

Thomas Sheridan Fetch, born on September 23, 1951, in Cleveland, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2024, in Visalia, California. He was the eldest child of David and Mildred Fetch.

Tom graduated from Mentor High School in Mentor, Ohio, in 1969 and went on to earn an Associate of Arts degree from Lakeland Community College. He spent five decades in the nursery industry, where he was known for his expertise and dedication to horticulture. Upon retirement, Tom found joy in teaching and performing guitar in California's Central Valley.

A chameleon of sorts, Tom's passions through the years included music, religion, fishing, hiking, automotive history, bowling, and watching his favorite baseball team, whether it was the Padres or Indians, break his heart year after year.

Tom was the grandnephew of E.T. "Tom" Fetch, who in 1903 with passenger Marius "Chris" Krarup, was the first person to drive an automobile - a Packard Model F named "Old Pacific" - across the United States without major repairs. In 1983, Tom and his son, Dave, were part of a team led by Terry Martin that re-traced the famous trip in the "Old Pacific II," a faithful re-creation of the original Packard Model F.

Tom is survived by Dave, his daughter-in-law, Dalen, and his beloved grandson, Ozzy, who brought immense happiness to his grandpa's final years.

A celebration of life for Tom was held on February 18th at BarrelHouse Brewing Co. in Visalia, where his friends and students played music and spoke in his honor. A certain French bulldog even fought his amaxophobia to attend.

Tom is deeply missed by those who knew him.

If you haven't already done so, please pour one out for "Papa Fetch."

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:2