Thomas E. "Tom" Linger

Thomas Edward "Tom" Linger, 85, of Romney, WV, died on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at his home.
Tom was born on January 16, 1940, in Buckhannon, WV, the son of the late Robert H. Linger and Lilly Mable Hoffman. Tom was a veteran in the United States Army for 24 years working in the Medical Corps with duties related to Behavioral Sciences. During his years on active-duty Tom dedicated much of his off-duty time completing his bachelor's degree in psychology, to then attending local universities on obtaining a doctorate degree in psychology. During his active-duty time he found himself working in higher positions as an instructor for the Army's Academy of Health Sciences where he later served as the Department Chairman at Fort Sam in Houston, TX and appointed to a member of the faculty at Baylor University. Later in his military career Tom also served as a child advocate representing the families of the armed forces in the Panama Canal zone, and organized effectiveness staff officers for Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. During his 24 years of active-duty service he was awarded many medals, including the three highest medals for meritorious achievement: The Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Metal, and the Legion of Merit.
Following Tom's retirement from the Army he was a volunteer to several West Virginia organizations such as the Hampshire County Development Authority, Region Eight Planning and Development Council, the Committee on Aging, and was the Chairman of Education Committee for the West Virginia Board of Social Work Examiners.
Tom held a few professional licenses such as a Professional Counselor (LPC), Social Worker (LSW), and as a Certified Management Consultant (CMC). As an industrial Psychologist, and having clinical skills as a counselor, he developed two business, the first being Education, Training, and Consultation Services, under which he had a counseling practice providing family and martial counseling, and counseling for Vietnam Veterans. His second business was under the name Adult Care Service, where he developed an in-home care business serving Hagerstown and Hancock, MD.
Tom was an upbeat, caring, and "safe" person. Tom loved people, He did not just meet people, he got to know, understand, and care about people. He wanted to heal and help others with no expectation of returned favors. This is shown in his 24 years of military service, his post-military career in counseling, being a family man. From a family perspective he was the one relative whose visits were ALWAYS anticipated and celebrated when he arrived, and whose departures felt like a loss every time. His positive energy, joking friendly manner, and meaningful conversation were always welcomed.
Tom married Julie E. Shockey on May 20, 2000, in Augusta, WV.
Surviving with his wife of 25 years are two sons: Tim Linger (Maggie) of FL; Chris Shanholtz (Jennie) of Bunker Hill, WV; a daughter: Bonnie Gutliph (Billy) of TN; five grandchildren: Tyson Linger & Tiffany Noel, Eric Gutliph, Aiden & Emma Shanholtz.
He is preceded in death by a brother: Bernard Linger and his spouse Doris.
A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Tearcoat Covenant Brethren Church in Augusta, WV at 12:30 PM. Officiating will be Pastors Tom Rowan & James Tyree.
The family will receive friends at the church from 11-12:30 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Tom to Hampshire County Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 41, Romney, WV 26757 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.