From the Parkway Independent

Thomas M. Avery, age 70, of Rockford, Ohio, died early Thursday morning, April 26, 2018, at Mercer Health in Coldwater, Ohio. He was born May 23, 1947, in Van Wert, Ohio, the son of Richard P. and Mary (Provci) Avery, both who have preceded in death.

He graduated from Parkway High School in 1965, and on September 16, 1972, married the love of his life, Judith M. Frye, who survives in Rockford. Tom graduated from Wright State University as a CAD Designer and worked at Fanning and Howey in Celina, Ohio, and later at Magnifi in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

He lived his entire life in Rockford, but enjoyed traveling with his wife Judy and their friends and family. He loved fishing, and making the fishing trips to Canada with his brother and son-in-law. He enjoyed his participation in the Crappie-Thon which was held in Celina. He was an avid gardener and had such fun baking bread with the grandkids, and watching them play sports; in general he loved being with his family, no matter what was on the agenda.

Surviving in addition to his wife Judith, is one daughter and her husband, Amanda and Eric White, of Rockford and their three children: Ashlyn, Avery, and Griffin. His brother Robert (Susan) Avery survives in Kendallville, Indiana, along with his sister, Mary Sue McFarland of Indianapolis, Indiana. A brother-in-law, Bill Hoover, survives in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Deceased are his parents and a sister, Jane Avery.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Rockford. Officiating will be Father Vince Wirtner, C.P.P.S. Burial will take place at a later date.

Friends and relatives may call at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford on Monday, April 30, from 2-8 p.m. Masses may be directed to St. Teresa, or memorials may be directed to the Rockford Recreational Assoc. Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com