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Thomas Brenner Obituary
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Tom was a 1957 Copley High School graduate and earned a Masters degree from Kent State University in 1962 which led him to a career in education. He was a teacher, coach, principal and administrator at Medina Highland High School for 35 years. He was a founding member of Northside Christian Church and served as an elder there for many years. He also served at Orrville Christian Church for 20 years and enjoyed hosting the beef stew bash for the 50 and over folks.
Tom played basketball and was the quarterback of the 1955 undefeated 9-0 football team, alongside his long-time friend and brother-in-law, Jerry Emich. Tom could always be seen attending his kids and grandkids sporting events for both high school and college games. He loved camping and boating with his family at Pleasant Hill Lake, and also traveling the US camping with his Sunnybrooke friends. He will be deeply missed.
He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon; and mother, Helen (McKeighen); his grandson, Joseph (Joey) Karam, sisters, Beverly Emich and Darlene (Robert) Emery; and brothers-in-law, Wayne Strawderman and Carl Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Lucille (Smith) Brenner; son, Thomas Jr.; daughter, Susan (Ronald) Karam; son; Timothy (Bethany) Brenner; sister, Marilyn Strawderman; 11 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Jerry Emich, brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Donna Spencer, and brother and sister-in-law, Eugene and April Smith.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 12 noon at Northside Christian Church, 7615 Ridge Rd, Wadsworth, OH 44281, with Pastor Thomas Ledford officiating. Calling hours will be at church for two hours prior to the service, from 10 am – 12 noon. Burial at Copley Cemetery.
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6 Entries
Rick and Cindy Opsincs
March 22, 2025
Lucy .. our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this loss. We have been so blessed to have you and Tom as not just family but wonderful Neighbors. We will always remember Tom's Quiet Gentle Spirit. Here for you always. Rick and Cindy Opsincs.
Tom & Amy Hiller
March 21, 2025
Dear Mrs. Brenner: We have very fond memories of our times with you and Mr. Brenner at your family events and many years of sporting events when Tommy and our son Tim played together. May God bless you at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are sorry we will be out of town and will not be able to attend the service. Love, Tom and Amy Hiller.
Sara Barber
March 19, 2025
Dear Lucy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You may not remember me, but I remember you and your husband with fondness at OCC. God´s peace and comfort be with you and yours during this most difficult time. With love in Jesus, a sister in Christ.
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Kim Kunkle
March 18, 2025
To the Brenner Family,
Our sympathy in you time of loss of such a wonderful man. Louie and I have many wonderful camping memories with Tom. He was a great example of a Christian leader, and I am sure he is with our Lord now. May The Lord be with you as you grieve his loss here on earth. I know he is with many other that have gone before him having a great reunion. Thank God for the gift of eternal life.
Kim Kunkle
Doug and Donna Tomak
March 17, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers for peace and strength for Toms family and lovely wife Lucy. We were so lucky to meet them when we purchased their log home from them about 10 years ago!
We love the home and have kept in touch over the years. They came to visit last summer and it was so nice to spend some time. Sorry for your loss.
Doug and Donna Tomak
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760 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44305
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