Thomas W. McCartney, 77, died Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at Fairview Hospital in Cleveland. Tom was born October 18, 1938 in Lorain, the first born son of the late Thomas and Vera McCartney (nee Herrmann). He lived a life of joy that only comes from the Lord, residing in Lorain for most of his life and Amherst in recent years.
Tom was a lover of all people, especially his wife of 55 years, Elaine McCartney (nee Smith), “the prettiest girl he ever saw,” closely followed by the rest of his family. Tom knew how to make life fun and to make everyone feel important.
He cherished his opportunities to serve the Church. He served as an elder at Christian Temple Disciples of Christ Church in Lorain for many years and as a Deacon at Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Amherst more recently. He happily volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank upon retirement from the Ford Motor Company, where he worked for 37 years.
After his retirement in 1994, Tom was blessed with the chance to travel widely. He was a passionate sports fan. He loved the Indians, Cavs and Browns his entire life, and was an avid and excellent golfer, passions he passed on to the next generations.
He is survived by Elaine; as well as his beloved brothers who were his best friends, Charlie and Bruce.
He was preceded in death by his brother Dennis.
Tom’s children and grandchildren were the lights of his life. His son Tom and daughter-in-law Lynda of Westerville, daughter Suzi Geisler and son-in-law Jeff of Dublin and son Mike and daughter-in-law Shelley of Ashland have memories to sustain them for a lifetime. His grandchildren Katelyn (Geisler), Jessica, Kevin, Andrew (Geisler), Lauren and Lilly McCartney have been shaped by his love of life and were blessed to enjoy the many adventures he was always ready to plan for them.
He also had a special relationship with his nieces and nephews, and was a man with many close personal friends, especially his lifelong friend Dale Butcher, who actually shared a room with him at birth and was his neighbor for most of his adult life.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held Saturday March 5, 2016 at 1 P.M. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. A time of reception will take place prior to services from 12 until 1 p.m. The Reverend Arnold Fleagle, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Free Church will officiate.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Trinity Evangelical Free Church;46485 Middle Ridge Road, Amherst, OH 44001.
For those unable to attend please visit the funeral home’s website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.
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