Thomas Richard Wehr

Thomas Richard Wehr

Thomas Richard Wehr, 83, of Orwigsburg, was welcomed into God's loving arms on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in the Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital, Orwigsburg, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Gwen (Glover) Wehr. They celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary on Aug. 13 of this year.

Born in Summit Hill, he was a son of the late Leighton and Ruth (Hawk) Wehr.

He was a 1960 graduate of Summit Hill High School and a 1968 graduate of Texas Lutheran College, with a degree in health and physical education, and then earned his athletic trainer certificate from West Chester University.

He was employed as a physical education and health teacher for Edna High School in Texas for one year, Carbon County School for Special Education for one year, Panther Valley High School for three years and Blue Mountain High School for 31 years until his retirement.

He was an athletic trainer and athletic director at Blue Mountain. In 2004, he was awarded the Schuylkill League Athletic Director of the Year.

He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Orwigsburg, where he was a member of the church council, church choir, the Men of St. Paul's, Adult forum and also a Sunday school teacher.

He was a charter member of the Carbon County Sports Hall of Fame and was inducted into its class of 2012.

He was a past Blue Mountain School Board member.

Tom was the founder of the Blue Mountain Sports Hall of Fame, in which he was inducted, and was also the founder of the Blue Mountain Track and Field Alumni Association.

He was a member of the Summit Hill Sons of the American Legion and a cofounder of the Summit Hill Historical Society.

Tom was not only a teacher, but also a coach. He coached wrestling, basketball, football and track and field at both the Panther Valley and Blue Mountain School districts.

To know Tom was to know his passion for Penn State. He bled blue and white. Whether it was football in the Fall or wrestling in the Winter, he was a true fan through and through.

Memorial Day held a special place in his heart and he was especially proud of the annual Patriotic Concert at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, a tradition he deeply valued.

But more than anything, Tom loved his family. He was always there - at every game, every celebration, every important moment. Nothing brought him more joy than being surrounded by the people he loved, and his grandchildren were truly the light of his life.

Surviving along with his wife are daughters, Tammy O'Donnell, and her husband, Kevin, of Media, and Rebecca Miller, and her husband, Kenneth, of Cressona; a son, Andrew Wehr of Sea Bright, N.J.; grandchildren, Kristen O'Donnell, Patrick O'Donnell, Thomas "TJ" Wagner, Victoria Wagner and Gavin Wehr; and several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a sister, Evelyn Plechavy; and brothers, Russell, Frank, James, Robert, Donald and John.

Service: Funeral service 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 215 N. Warren St., Orwigsburg, with the Rev. Michael Petrusky officiating. Interment, Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery, Summit Hill. Visitation 6-8 p.m. Thursday and 9-9:45 a.m. Friday in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted in his name to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, the Blue Mountain Track and Field Alumni Assoc. or the Summit Hill Historical Society. The Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home, Nesquehoning, is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences can be offered at www.blazoskyfh.com.