Thomas L. GahrisLAKESIDE-MARBLEHEAD: Thomas L. Gahris, 82, of Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, March 27, 2017 at Edgewood Manor Nursing Center in Port Clinton, Ohio. He was born on April 3,1934 in Tiffin, Ohio the son of Franklin J. and Mary Virginia (Walk) Gahris. On June 10, 1957 he married his life-long sweetheart June (Cole) and she survives.Tom graduated in 1952 from Tiffin Columbian High School, and from Heidelberg College in Tiffin in 1956. He was a trombone player in both high school and college bands and maintained a lifelong love of good brass and marching band music. Tom began his teaching career in Clinton Township in Seneca County in 1956, and came to Danbury in 1957 where he remained a dedicated educator and advocate for the children of the community until his retirement in 1988. He taught 5th and 6th grade, drove the daily school bus as well as band and team buses, and ran the time clock for many years at football and basketball games. Tom later received his Master's Degree in Education from Bowling Green State University and became the Danbury Elementary School Principal. His slogan was "Kids are #1" and he was a passionate advocate for children, learning, and fair play.Tom was a proud charter member and past President of the Marblehead Peninsula Lions Club, achieving many years of perfect attendance and chairing the Scholarship Committee. He was on the Board of the Mohican Outdoor School and a member of the Ohio School Principals Association. Ordained a deacon in the Presbyterian Church in 1956, he was most recently a member of Firelands Presbyterian Church serving in the food pantry and delivering Meals on Wheels. Congenial, patient, and considerate, Tom loved camping in the "Rolling Recess" with June, winters in Florida, living at the lake, woodworking, and helping others. His easy sense of humor, gentle nature, and pride in his community will be missed.Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, June; daughter, Patti (Jon) Amy, of Grayslake, IL; sons Doug (Connie) Gahris of Callahan FL, Greg Gahris of Kissimmee FL, and grandchildren Sarah (David) Kruk, David Amy, and Kevin (Haley) Gahris. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Nancy (Gahris) Evans.Calling hours will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017 from 10 am until the funeral service at 12 pm at Neidecker, LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home, 7755 E. Harbor Road, Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio with Pastor Bob Butcher and Pastor Mark Cooper officiating. Burial will follow at Sackett Cemetery. A light lunch will follow at Firelands Presbyterian Church, 2626 E. Harbor Road, Port Clinton, Ohio.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Marblehead Peninsula Lions Club Scholarship Fund. Online condolences may be expressed at
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