THOMAS FRANKLIN BULLINGER

Thomas Franklin Bullinger FORT JENNINGS - Thomas Franklin Bullinger, 70, of Fort Jennings, Ohio, passed away on June 7, 2025. He was born on May 22, 1955, in Lima, Ohio to Richard C. Bullinger and Amelia E. (Carder) Bullinger. He was the beloved husband of Jill Ann (Meyer) Bullinger for 49 years; the devoted father of Dr. Todd (Beth) Bullinger, Dr. Katie (Dr. Bryan Jewell) Bullinger, Kevin (Erica) Bullinger, and Dr. Lindsey (Dr. James Wodicka) Bullinger; the cherished Papa of Patrick, Daniel, Nora, Anna, Henry, William, Tommy, Berkley, Amelia, James, and Emma, and the dedicated brother of Grace (Jeff) Dickman and Joseph (Dawn) Bullinger and brother-in-law to Michael (Patricia) Meyer and Dean (Charlotte) Meyer as well as a caring cousin, uncle of many nieces and nephews, and godfather. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law Daniel Meyer and mother-in-law Norma Meyer. Known locally as "Bulldog," he was loved by all who were lucky to call him a friend. Tom was a proud member of the Fort Jennings High School class of 1973. On May 15, 1976, he married his high school sweetheart Jill. Together they chose to call Fort Jennings their home and went on to raise their four children within the community. He had an enormous capacity to give of himself during his years of service as Fire Chief of the Fort Jennings Fire Department, President of the Fort Jennings Park Board, and member of the Jaycees and Sons of the American Legion. Tom was built of old-fashioned materials: family, love, discipline, and hard work. He was a man of deeply held convictions and had a love for community, public service, and tinkering in his shop. He was a skilled craftsman. He used his specialized skills to grow his own business where his mastery in fabrication and welding translated to practical projects and artistic creations. An avid griller and cook, Tom loved to host friends and family, try new recipes, and deliver meals to those in need. He enjoyed traveling but never longer than what would allow him to mow the lawn. He was a man in constant motion but never too busy to share his love of life with those around him. In recent years, one of his greatest joys came from spending time with his grandchildren; as "Papa," he was their best partner in mischief. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 12:00 - 8:00 PM at the Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Jackson Township. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Fort Jennings, Ohio, with a viewing one hour prior to the service and burial to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery. In honor of Tom, the family requests donations to the Fort Jennings Fire Department or the Fort Jennings Park, organizations dear to his heart. Donations can be made directly or by contacting one of the immediate family members. Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com