Thomas Pearce

Thomas (Tom) Pearce, 90, of Lancaster, passed away on Monday, July 23, 2018, at the Pickering House.

Tom was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. A 1946 graduate of Lancaster High School, Tom was a lifelong member of Grace United Church of Christ. He retired from Claypool Electric after 25 years of service, after having worked for the Stuck family for 40 years as a foreman at Stuck Mould Works and manager of farm operations at Stuck Farms.

Many in the community remember Tom as “the Sugar Waffle Man.” During the Fairfield County Fair, he would be found under the Grandstand at Pearce’s Sugar Waffles, the legacy of his father since 1912. Tom was proud to have served his country as a veteran of the United States Army. For years, he was an active member of the Fairfield County Model Railroaders. Tom loved Lancaster and supported its city parks by volunteering for many years at the Alley Park pancake breakfasts and making noodles at Olivedale.

Tom was a member of Lancaster Lodge #57 Free & Accepted Masons, Lancaster Chapter #11 R.A.M., Lancaster Council #3 R.S.M., Lancaster Commandary #2 K.T., Aladdin Temple Shrine & Tarhe Shrine Club, and Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus.

Tom is survived by his children, Cynthia Gabelman and Thomas (Johanna) Pearce; grandchildren, Leah Wagner and Keely, Jonah, and Katie Pearce; great-granddaughter Evelyn Schneider; nephews John (Tammy) Pearce and Daniel Pearce and their families, including grand-nephews Michael (Maureen) Pearce and Kyle (Tiffany) Pearce.

Tom was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Betty Schneider Pearce; parents, Herbert D. and F. Mae Pearce; brothers Charles (Julianna) Pearce and Harry (Betty) Pearce; and sister Virginia Pearce.

His family is very grateful to his caregivers from Bickford of Lancaster, Fairfield Medical Center, Crestview Rehabilitation Center, and Pickering House for their outstanding compassion. Funeral services for Tom will be held at 12 noon on Friday, July 27th at Grace United Church of Christ, Lancaster with Reverend Melinda Quellhorst officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Rose Cemetery with the Lancaster Veteran Burial Detail. Family and friends may visit from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 pm on Thursday, July 26th at FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Lancaster and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Donations may be made in memory of Tom to Grace United Church of Christ, 1185 Pleasantville Rd., Lancaster, Ohio 43130; Friends of the Lancaster Parks, PO Box 433, Lancaster, Ohio 43130; or The Pickering House, 282 Sells Rd. Lancaster, Ohio 43130. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralhome.com.

Funeral Service

12:00 PM ,Friday, July 27, 2018
Grace United Church of Christ
1185 Pleasantville Road Lancaster, OH 43130

Visitation

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM ,Thursday, July 26, 2018
Frank E. Smith Funeral Home
405 N. Columbus St Lancaster, OH 43130

Calling Hours

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ,Thursday, July 26, 2018
Frank E. Smith Funeral Home
405 N. Columbus St Lancaster, OH 43130

Visitation

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ,Friday, July 27, 2018
Grace United Church of Christ
1185 Pleasantville Road Lancaster, OH 43130