Thomas A. Minnery

Thomas A. Minnery, age 74, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, went to heaven on Saturday, December 24, 2022. Tom dedicated his life to serving the Lord God in his everyday life and through his work in Christian ministry. Beginning as a reporter for Gannett Newspapers in the 70's, he quickly discovered the emptiness of politics and government power and sought a deeper meaning in the mayhem.
This longing led him, along with wife, Deb, to rediscover their faith and devote their lives to Jesus. Wanting to know more about the Bible and his new-found faith, Tom started divinity school. While completing his master's degree, he began working at Christianity Today as news editor. Later, in 1987, he moved to Focus on the Family, starting as editor of all publications and eventually becoming Vice President of Public Policy. During his nearly 30 years at Focus, Tom's passion for uniting politics and the truth of the Gospel lead to the founding of Citizen magazine, where his column was highly regarded. This led to CitizenLink and ultimately the realization of Focus's dream of the Family Policy Councils.
Now known as Family Policy Alliance, these independent councils operate in many states working to protect families, unborn babies, and religious freedom at the grass-roots level. Tom also labored in the creation of the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), the largest legal organization in the world committed to the protection of free speech, religious freedom, parental rights, and God's design for marriage and family. Tom served on the ADF board well into retirement. At the time of his death, he was serving on the board of the Center for Christian Virtue, the Ohio Family Policy Council.
Tom had a gentle, kind demeanor, quick wit, and was always ready with a good joke-especially for his grandchildren...or anyone willing to listen. He loved to go and do whether it be to help his grandchildren walk the dog, lead a Bible study at a local prison, or own the kitchen in pickleball. Tom loved his family and made them a priority.
He and Deb celebrated 52 years of marriage and have three children: David, Jennifer, and Bethany. They also are blessed with two sons-in-law, Jon Luminati and Evan Nielsen; and seven grandchildren: Riley Minnery; Kate, Ellie, Miranda Luminati; and Malcolm, Thora, and Sage Nielsen.
Tom is also survived by brothers, Bill Minnery, Don (and Cathy) Minnery, and Greg (and Cheri) Minnery.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William, and Marian Minnery. Tom also leaves behind many other cherished relatives and friends, but we all look forward to the day when we will see Tom again in heaven. We know he's hearing the voice of Jesus say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Tom, you will be greatly missed. Thank you for the bright light you brought to all our lives.
A Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 a.m., Rock City Church, 4311 Anson Drive Hilliard, Ohio 43026.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to a ministry close to Tom and Deb's heart, Hilltop Ranch in Colorado Springs. Click the link and scroll down to "Giving in Memory of a Loved One." https://hilltopranch.org/donate/