Thomas “Tom” William Esker passed away peacefully with his wife and family at his side on Friday, December 18, 2015 after battling Berylliosis. He was born January 24, 1941 to Lucille (Durnwald) and Walter Esker in Fremont, Ohio; where he was a lifetime resident. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1959 and attended the University of Detroit before working a short time at Brush Wellman. He began his career in computer science at Erie Army Depot. He worked for 35+ years for Ford Motor Company/ Autolite/ Allied Signal/ Bendix/ Honeywell where he retired in 1998 as Director of Information Technology.
Tom married Sharon (Sunderhaus) on April 24, 1962. In 2012 while celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Tom gave a speech on sharing a life with someone for 50 years and living a full life. He attributed it to his 3 F’s – Family, Faith and Forgiveness. Tom was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Tom was an avid OSU fan and Cleveland Indians, Browns and Cavaliers fan. He enjoyed golfing with his regular foursome at Sycamore Hills Golf Course for many years. He also loved fishing and boating on Lake Erie. He was a proud man and always led by example.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of fifty-three years, Sharon; their children Lori (Mike) Warner, Marysville, OH, Michael Esker, Fremont, OH, Stephen (Wendy) Esker, Etna, OH, Scott (Cindy) Esker, Pickerington, OH and Anthony (Tricia) Esker, Fremont, OH; seven grandchildren Erin (Andres Tijerina)Esker, Megan (Dr. Steven) Smith, Alexandra Warner, Paige Esker, Jacob Warner, Tanner Esker, Olivia Warner; 3 great-granddaughters Clarisa Orozco, Ayana Tijerina, Ava Tijerina; sister, Marilyn Dunn of Newark, OH; brothers, Walter J. (Christine) Esker of Colebrook, CT, Richard (Nancy) Esker of McDonough, GA.
He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Deborah Esker and sister, Shirley Esker.
Visitation: Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory 425 E. State St., Fremont, OH with a vigil at 6:30 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, December 23, 2015: 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 709 Croghan St., Fremont, OH with Fr. Mike Zacharias officiating.
Memorials: Stein Hospice, Bishop Hoffman Catholic Schools or St. Joseph Church Air Conditioning Fund
Online condolences: www.whhfh.com
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Jerry and Judi Kessler
Sharon and family….Jerry and I are so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I know he is in a better place and is finally at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Hoping to see you on Tuesday.
Lori Gibson
It was a honor to know and care for Tom. What a stronge and honorable man. Tom was so worried about his wonderful wife Sharon, the Love was deep and Strong. Some great memories I will have for always. I was blessed to have him as a patient. Can’t say enough about the beautiful bond the Eskers family have, what a pleasure to meet you all. Prayers, Peace, LOVE and Comfort to you all..
Bill & Teri Farley
The Best to my Two Friends…Steve & Scott….I am a Better Man for having met you Both….To Your Mother…. And The Rest of The Esker Family
Jeannie Smith
Dear Esker Family, Steve and I were so sorry to hear of your beloved husband/Father/ Grandpa’s death. We wanted to let you know we are thinking of you at this time. We only met him a few times but I know he was wonderful, special man. May your beautiful memories help you. Take care, Love, Jeannie and Steve Smith
Dana Dorsey
So sorry to hear the sad news. Tom was loved by all, and will not only be missed by his family,
but his golfing friends as well. From sunny Florida to the shiny heavens, Rest In peace Tom..
and may his family find peace and blessings during their time of sadness….
Jim Mumford
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Esker Family. Sorry for your loss.
Greg and Jane Esker
What wonderful memories we have of our visits to Ohio. Even Gregory, now 27, remembers Uncle Tom taking us to Gregory’s favorite place “The Moose Lodge”. We will never forget. We love seeing the family pictures posted with the whole family at holidays.
Love,
Jane
Cathy manahan
So very sorry for your loss
Ami Rathfelder
To Tricia & the entire family,
We are sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace & comfort from this day forward.
Ami, James, & Aaron Rathfelder
Audrey krebs
Hoping your faith,treasured memories and support of each other, are making your walk through this journey a little easier as each day passes.
My sympathy and love,
Audrey
Phil and Linda Willis
Sharon and family… We have so many great memories of “our boys” growing up together! Some good and some that we can only laugh about now! At least I think Tom could laugh about! What a great dad and husband he was…. Always a kind word and that soft slow smile! Your all in our thoughts and prayers and our hearts ache for your loss!!
Jim and Sue Hammer
Sharon and family, we are sorrowed to read of Tom’s death. No time is good but this Holy season is especially sad. Brings in reality of the real reason of Christmas, prepare for Jesus coming, if anyone was ready it is Tom. God Bless all and do enjoy the fact the gospel message has been fulfilled for Tom.
Sue and Jim hammer
Roxanne Miller
Dear Sharon and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I truly enjoyed working with Tom and meeting your family. Heaven is definitely celebrating joyfully now that he is there! Please take solace in the knowledge that he is safe, healthy and happy now, and that his spirit will always be within you.
Fondly,
Roxanne
Terry plank
Sorry for your loss Steve and Scott . I have had the pleasure of meeting Scott and Steve thru a mutual friend Scott has helped me endless times with hunting and answering questions and has been a great friend even tho he doesn’t know me that well he has opened his house to me and never complained about me bugging him I am sure that you have gotten a lot of your great qualities from your father witch I have never met in person but I’m sure that his sons are only an extension of him .Again I’m sorry for your thanks Terry plank
Linda Havens
Sharon, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Sending God’s blessings, Linda Havens
The Borden's (Esker) in China
To my Aunt Sharon and all my cousins! I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Tom and the battle he has been through. I believe too like the others that he is in a better place now and he will be with all of you from now on. The bright side is that God has taken his pain away now and he can breathe freely in heaven. Aunt Sharon and family, may you all feel his presence and comfort each day. With all our love, John, Katie and kids.
Ellie Ferrari
So very, very, sorry for your family’s loss of a great man. I have known some of you a long time and even tho I don’t see you, I keep up with your family thru f.b. I am sending lots of prayers and hugs to everyone. Love you guys. And your mama. Xxoo