Thomas L. Fickel

Thomas L. Fickel, 74, died peacefully at 11:36 p.m. Aug. 15, 2012, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born June 19, 1938, in Lima to Gerald D. and Ellen C. Frazier Fickel. His father survives in Lima. His mother preceded him in death. On April 22, 1959, he married Patricia A. Bowden, who survives in Lima. Mr. Fickel retired in 1998 as a chemical technician from BP Chemical after 30 years. He had been heavily involved in his parent's restaurant business, the Susie-Q. He was a Navy veteran serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Leyte, during peacetime. He was a member of St. Gerard Catholic Church. He was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 370 and the Lions Club. When he was younger, he had volunteered as a Boy Scout leader and had been active with his daughter's F-Troop, acting as a chaperone and fundraiser of the troop's various activities. He enjoyed hunting and collecting arrowheads, pottery and looking for shells on the beach with his grandchildren. He loved gardening and maintaining his yard. He loved collecting rocks from Riley Creek. He loved dancing the jitterbug with his wife. He loved golfing and fishing. His final wish was to make one last trip to Lake Erie to catch one last bass. He was an avid fan of all of his grandchildren and their activities. He was affectionately known as "Grandpa Honey." Survivors also include a daughter, Christine (Warren) Dixon, of Lima; two brothers, Donald K. (Elnora) Fickel and John C. (Joyce) Fickel, both of Lima; two sisters, Linda J. (Warren) Woten-Dunlap, of Lima, and Jerri Sue Lutman, of Wallbridge; three grandchildren, Nichole (Jeremy) Barker, Andrea (Justin) Kessen and Megan Dixon; and seven great-grandchildren, Cortlynn, Allee and Makenzie Barker, Avery and Jalynn Kessen, and Xavier and Zane Beaty. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Thomas Bryan Fickel; an infant daughter, Patty Ann Fickel; and a brother, Charles Fickel. Calling will be from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 Sunday at Shawnee Chapel. Services will begin at 10 a.m. Monday at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel, with military rites by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1275. Father Michael Houston will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita's Hospice. Condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.