STOW -- Thomas S. Etcher, 54, died January 16, 2009.
Born in Oil City, Pa., he was a Stow resident over 45 years and a 32 year member of the Kent State University Police Dept, where he currently held the rank of lieutenant. Mr. Etcher was a member of the F.O.P. Lodge # 70 and Riverwood Community Chapel.
Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Bessie Etcher, and brother, William; he is survived by his wife of 31 years, Linda; daughter Meredith (Don) Beesing of Suffolk, Va.; sons, Matthew of Hampton, Va. and Kyle of Streetsboro; grandson, David Beesing; sister, Patricia (Mark) Wolfe of Richmond, Va. and brother, John (Philinda) Etcher of Yorktown, Va.
Friends may call Monday 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Redmon Funeral Home. Pastor Brian Bales will conduct service Tuesday 10 a.m. at Riverwood Community Chapel, 1407 Fairchild Ave., in Kent. Burial Standing Rock Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made in his memory to the Kent State University Blue and Gold Fund or the F.O.P. Lodge #70. Mr. Etcher's video tribute will be available at www.redmonfuneralhome.com
(REDMON, STOW, 330-688-6631)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Gary DeMoss
February 20, 2009
I only recently heard about Tom's passing, my thoughts and prayers are w/ Linda and her family.
Tom and I attended police training in Columbus and traveled together back and forth.
God Bless.
SHELLY LIGHT
February 6, 2009
LINDA AND FAMILY
YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME. I JUST REMEMBER ALL THE NOT SO CLEAN JOKES THAT TOM WOULD TELL AND THAT BRINGS A SMILE TO MY FACE
Della Marie Marshall
February 4, 2009
To the Etcher Family:
I was so saddened to learn of Tom's passing upon my return to work. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Tom was a kind, warm hearted person who will be missed by many.
Tom Watkins
February 1, 2009
Dear Linda
I was stunned to read of Tom's passing, A good freind and high school bud, I will miss our lunches at the university. He loved his family and you a great deal. I will deeply miss him. Please do not hesitate to call if I can help in any way.
Ralph Peti
January 27, 2009
Dear Linda and family... I am so sad to hear of the loss of Tom and so sorry I found out too late to attend the funeral. I fondly remember Tom from the mid 70's as an eager security aide while I myself was an officer at KSUPD. Although I lost contact with him over the years I can see that he did everything right to advance and remain in a difficult profession for so many years. Tom, rest in peace, job well done... fraternally, Ralph T Peti (Alliance PD, retired)
Mark Ross
January 26, 2009
It is so sad to hear about Tom. I went to school with him most of my life and we were in the same Sunday School Class. I am so glad I got to see Tom at the 30th high school reunion. My heart and sympathy goes to Linda and the rest of the family.
Sallie Storms Berg
January 25, 2009
I was so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. I grew up in the same neighborhood and we went to school together. Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. You are all in my prayers.
Susan Donahue
January 25, 2009
My deepest prayers go out to the Etcher and Powers family. Especially Linda and her children. Our prayers started when Teresa Powers (my sister) told us of Tom's hospitalization. We continue to keep everyone in our thoughts and prayers as this difficult time of healing begins. Linda, you are probably still grieving the loss of your Father and now your Tom. Please be kind and gentle with yourself and your children. We will continue to pray for your loss and your healing.
God Bless You and Your Family
Susan McDonnell and Family
Richard Powers
January 24, 2009
Linda,
Having Tom as a part of our family for the past 35 years has been nothing but a joy !! All of our Christmas' together and our family gatherings would never have been the great times that we all cherish without Tom. He always treated me as his brother, not his brother - in -law and I will always cherish every moment that I got to spend with him. WE WILL ALWAYS BE HERE FOR YOU !! Dick, Mary Ellen, Ashley and Kevin
Linda McDonnell
January 23, 2009
Dear Linda, Meredith, Mathew & Kyle,
My deepest sympathy is with the Etcher and Powers families. I'll keep Tom and all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Teresa Powers
January 22, 2009
Dear Linda, Matthew, Meredith, Don, David, Kyle and Abbey: You are in our thoughts and prayers. Tom will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy. Love Jim, Teresa, Jimmy and Annie Powers
Mary Bruce
January 22, 2009
Dear Linda and family,
It was a privilege to work with Tom in his early days at Kent as a security aide. It was a joy and a blessing to have known such a fine man. I am so very sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers.
Janet Greenhorn Taylor
January 21, 2009
Dear Linda and family,
News about the loss of a great person travels internationally. I am sorry to hear of Tom's passing. It seems like not so long ago we were in math class together at SHS! May God's grace and care extend to you and to your family as you move through this difficult period.
Diane Cavanaugh
January 21, 2009
Dear Etcher family,
We go way back to Meredith and volleyball at Stow High. Tom was a great person and a huge supporting fan of his children. Our family wishes you comfort and peace in your time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Diane, Curry, Jennifer and Carey Cavanaugh
Krystin Moore
January 20, 2009
I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Etcher nearly 10years ago when I came to Kent State as a freshman. Later on, I got to work with him for a short period of time as a dispatcher. Over the years, I still saw him from time to time at events on campus,around town or in passing. He was always so quiet,nice and polite. Of the memories I have, this is how I will remember. God Bless you and your family. Thank you for being a part of my life.
Dara Bakes
January 20, 2009
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Lt. Etcher was an amazing man, officer and mentor. I worked with him at KSUPD for a number of years as a dispatcher through college. He will be missed. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Tom and Carolyn Morris
January 19, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you - May God grant you peace.
James Pat Hammons
January 19, 2009
To the Etcher family, I am so sorry for your loss. My name is Pat Hammons and I was a Police officer with KSUPD and Tom was my first training officer and he told me something that I never forgot and it was"GOD FIRST, FAMILY SECOND AND POLICE WORK THIRD. Being 21 years old at the time I didnt understand it. Now I live my my life by Tom's words. He was a very gentle, fair, good man. He will be missed. God be with all of you.
Ralph & Margaret Bundick
January 19, 2009
We are praying for your family during this difficult time. May God keep you in His care and perfect peace.
Tony Modugno
January 19, 2009
Dear Kyle and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. Love, Tony, Shelley, Shannon and Tony Modugno
Bethany Wolfe
January 19, 2009
Dear Aunt Linda, Meredith, Matthew and Kyle,
Uncle Tom was such a gentle, kind and loving person. He always put a smile on my face whenever I saw him. Whether it was playing wiffleball on the beach at Rehoboth, or backyard cookouts at your house, Uncle Tom, truly a kid at heart, made the experience extra special with his playful character and his warm laugh.
My heart breaks for you all.
I'm so sorry I could not be there to share in the remembrance of Uncle Tom's life, but please know that you are in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Deborh and John Furka/Race
January 19, 2009
Dear Linda, Meredith, Matthew and Kyle,
You were all so loved by Tom. We will remember the many years "on the job" at Kent State. God's speed to you on your journey home. With thoughts and prayers.
Leslie Pinkerton
January 19, 2009
Linda and family,
I was very sad to hear of Tom's death. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. God will give you the strength you need to get through this.
Gail Moseley
January 19, 2009
Linda and Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Jack & Gail Moseley (Stow High Class of 73)
Rick Bonath
January 18, 2009
I am so very sorry to hear about Tom. He was one of the kindest men I have ever known, in my life. God bless you, Tom.
Cliff and Nancy(Hood) Myers
January 18, 2009
So sorry to hear about Tom. We send our prayers and condolences to you and your family. God Bless.
Gary Berry
January 18, 2009
He was a great guy. I remember instructing Tom @ the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy years ago.Hang on to the memories,
Tim, Barb & Sarah Miller
January 18, 2009
Linda, Meredith, Matthew and Kyle,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you during this sad time. We will miss him very dearly and will hold his memory in our hearts forever. We are here for all of you at any time.
Veronica and Royal Barnard
January 18, 2009
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Laura Peltz
January 18, 2009
Dear Linda, Meredith, Matt and Kyle,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time. No words can adequately express our desire to comfort you. Know that we will keep Tom in our hearts as a good and gentle man. With love,
Les & Laura Peltz
Frances Moore
January 18, 2009
I met you at Ivy Church In hampton, I want you know I am very sorry for your loss. I know your hurt and I am praying for you. God Bless you
Angie Casalinova
January 18, 2009
Linda & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. May god bless you and all your family always.
Angie Casalinova
Christie Greenleaf
January 18, 2009
We are so sad for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Etcher and Powers Families.
Doug, Christe, Dane and Drew
Bill Shanafelt
January 18, 2009
I worked with Tom for 28 years at the KSU police department. We spent many years together sharing good and bad times. He was very proud of his family and talked lots about his children and family adventures. He was one of the senior employees at the police department and his presence will be missed a great deal.
Tiff and I are very sad for your loss.
Naomi & Wellington Jimenez
January 18, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Ralph McDonnell
January 18, 2009
Linda, Meredith, Matthew & Kyle,
We would like to extend our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ralph McDonnell
Linda Law
Karin McDonnell
Marilyn & Buzz Starner
January 18, 2009
Linda, Meredith, Kyle, & Matt,
We send our condolences to you and your family over the loss of your husband and father. Tom was our friend for many years and we will miss seeing him at the MAC Center. He was a warm and gentle man and we were very fortunate to be able to know him.
Ruby Lesko
January 18, 2009
Linda,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this of sorrow.
May Tom rest in the palm of God's hands.
Ruby & Terry Lesko
Terry Morris
January 18, 2009
Tom,
I watched you grow from a Security Aide to police officer rank of Lieutenant. We worked many events, shifts, and departmental parties together. We lost regular contact when I retired, though on occasion we met while you were on the job.
Sadly, I met your children, brother, sister, and sister inlaw, through this tradgedy, waiting for your recovery. Regretfully you succumbed. You will be missed.
Fraternally yours,
Redmon Funeral Home Inc.
January 18, 2009
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Diane Steinert
January 17, 2009
Linda, Meredith, Matthew & Kyle,
We love you with all our hearts and will be here for you 24/7. May Tom rest in peace.
Love, Joe, Diane, Caitlin and Dana
Ron Piatt
January 17, 2009
Tom;
We had many of good years together "on the job." I am honored to have known you. Your family should be proud of your accomplishments and dedication. You will be missed.
Matt Butcher
January 16, 2009
Tom,
You will be greatly missed....
Showing 1 - 43 of 43 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more