Thomas Tester Obituary

Thomas L. Tester

Oct 5, 1947 - Mar 19, 2026

Wakeman

Thomas L. Tester of Wakeman, passed away Monday, March 19, 2026, in Ruskin, Florida.

He was born October 5, 1947, in New London, to Clyde and Helen Tester.

He grew up on the family farm in Clarksfield, Ohio. It was there that he learned the values that shaped his life: intense patriotism, respect for hard work, and an unwavering loyalty to family. As a boy, he worked driving a tractor and baling hay. In high school, he helped his father with the family's livestock-hauling business. He enjoyed baseball, football and basketball.

After graduating from New London High School in 1965, he continued his education at Kent State University. He drove truck part-time during college to help with expenses. Following the advice of his late uncle, Don Tester, he enrolled in the ROTC program. Tom earned a bachelor of business administration degree. He took his oath to serve in the U.S. Army on graduation day in 1969.

Thomas wed Patricia Scott Tester, whom he met at Kent State, June 13, 1970. After returning from Vietnam, he worked for many years as a truck driver in the Wakeman area. He was a member of American Legion and Wakeman Eagles. Tom liked collecting baseball caps from all the businesses he visited. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. The family took many trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where they hiked to waterfalls, old mines, and lighthouses. After retiring, Tom and Pat traveled from coast to coast in their RV, visiting Maine, Michigan, Washington, Florida, and many national parks. They wintered at Manatee RV Park in Florida for the past several years. The park became their second family and second home.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Patricia, and his son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Kelley Tester. Also surviving are his sister, Marilyn Tester Ogg; brother, Tim A. Tester; and brothers-in-law, Charles Scott and his wife, Debbie, Thomas Scott, and Richard Scott.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Clyde and Helen Tester; nephew, Glenn T. Ogg; niece, Lori Lee Scott; sister-in-law, Mickie Tester; and brothers-in-law, William L. Ogg and Melvin L. Scott.

Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Toft Funeral Home, Wakeman Chapel, 16 Cooper Street, Wakeman. An additional hour of visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until time of funeral services at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Toft Funeral Home, Wakeman Chapel, with Mel Sayler presiding. Burial will follow at Wakeman Cemetery, Wakeman.

A celebration of life is planned for from 1-4 p.m. Saturday May 9, 2026, at Wakeman Eagles Club.

Memorial contribu-tions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Toft Funeral Home, Wakeman Chapel, is handling arrangements.

Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.