Thomas E. Evans

Thomas E. Evans, age 87, of Gomer, passed away on March 12, 2026, at The Meadows of Delphos. Born on November 10, 1938, in Lima to Edward A. and Martha (Partch) Evans, he was preceded in death by his parents. He married Wilma Long on October 25, 1964, and she survives him in Gomer.

Tom is survived by his three sons, Jeff (Stephanie) Evans of Lima, Bryan (Keri) Evans of Gomer, and Steven Evans of Missouri; his grandchildren, Lexie Evans, Jake Evans, Kristie Evans, Mitch Evans, and Sydney (Nathan) Lange; his great-granddaughter, Willow Lange; his brother, Robert (Carol) Evans of Florida; and his sister, Mary (Scott) Ocke of Lake Side.

A U.S. Army veteran who served in Germany from 1961 to 1963, Tom worked for 30 years as a machine repairman at Ford Motor Company, retiring on December 31, 1999. For 40 years he served as a special deputy with the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, where he was the Range Master and received the Special Deputy of the Year award in 2005. A lifelong member of Gomer Congregational Church, he served as deacon, trustee, and moderator, and quietly cleared snow from the church and many neighbors’ driveways each winter.

Tom devoted more than 40 years to the Boy Scouts of America as Scoutmaster of Troop #84 and Cubmaster of Pack #84, helping more than 30 young men earn their Eagle Scout rank. He was honored as Scoutmaster of the Year in 2000 and received the Golden Beaver Award in 2017. For over 20 years he volunteered with the Ford/UAW ramp crew, building handicap-accessible ramps for those in need. He was a member of Hope Lodge #214 F&AM, the Order of the Eastern Star of Ohio #26, and remained active in 4-H, the Welsh Museum, and countless community projects. In 2007 he received the Jefferson Award for his outstanding service. A collector at heart, Tom enjoyed woodworking, restoring cars, and caring for his dogs and pets, yet nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with his grandchildren.