Thomas Edward Large

Thomas Edward Large, 79, of Port Clinton, Ohio, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025, surrounded by family at Magruder Hospital.

Tom was born March 7, 1946, in Columbus, Ohio, to Sherman and Louise (Morris) Large. Tom possessed a sharp, analytical mind that served him well throughout his life and career. He began his working years as a mechanic at Cedar Point Amusement Park, where his natural mechanical talent quickly became evident. Tom went on to work nearly 40 years as a tool and die set up and lead man at Port Clinton Manufacturing, retiring in 2015. Even in retirement, Tom was rarely still - if he wasn't working, you could usually find him under the hood of a car.

A lifelong car enthusiast, Tom was an avid race car fan at Norwalk Speedway during the 1970s. He loved nothing more than taking a car destined for the junkyard and turning it into a showpiece. Over the years, he built and modified numerous vehicles, including a 1957 Chevrolet with flames shooting from the back, and he restored several Corvettes. His pride and joy was his 1987 Chevrolet Camaro, a car he owned, sold, and eventually bought back. Tom held a special place in his heart for Corvettes, and even when he didn't own one, he proudly wore his leather Corvette jacket. Above all, Tom valued hard work and self-reliance. He taught these values to his children and was known for his simple but lasting advice: "You need to learn how to fix your mistakes."

Tom is survived by his wife of 36 years, Joan; children Rick (Denise Drum) Large, Wayne (Brandy) Mallory, Josh Large, and Catherine (Rich) Greening; along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and siblings, Jerry Harris, Bobbie Harris, Shirley (Fran) Murphy and Thelma (Ronnie) Webb. Preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Raymond Large and Ralph Harris.

Private Funeral services will be held. Expressions of sympathy and donations may be directed to Tom's family. Gerner Wolf Walker Funeral Home assisting the family with arrangements