Thomas Schlappal, age 77, closed his eyes to open them to see the face of Jesus on June 29, 2022. He was a longtime resident of Leroy Township, since 1977.
Thomas was born to the late Francis and Ruth (nee Eichhorn) on Aug. 10, 1944, in Mentor.
Tom served in the United States Air Force as a crew chief on C-124 Globemaster cargo airlift.
He had many talents as a logger, mechanic and truck driver. In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing, building bikes, riding his Harley and telling stories from the book of Tom.
Tom volunteered at church and was willing to help when anybody needed him. He went on several mission trips such as the Navajo Reservation, Haiti and Honduras.
For several years, he was president of the local chapter of Christian Motorcyclists Association.
He liked playing cards and board games with his family and friends, but they never trusted him at UNO!
For many years Tom made special appearances to friends’ homes, churches and schools as Santa Claus. He especially enjoyed his role as Santa at Western Reserve Harley Davidson in Mentor.
Tom was saved at Faith Baptist Church in Perry in 1980 and was baptized at Stony Glen Camp in August 1990. Everywhere Tom went he was eager to talk about how God had changed his life. He encouraged people to claim the promises of God for themselves. Tom wanted them to know the peace that passes understanding that comes only from God. He had been looking forward to his new home in Heaven to free him from pain, sadness, and sorrow. His desire was that all his friends and family would join him in Heaven one day.
He is survived by his loving wife, Rose Mary (nee Coakley), to whom he married on July 18, 1975; two sisters, Ruth Ann Milgate (Tom), of Florida, and Fran Mansell, of Florida; son, Tom Schlappal (Michell), of Georgia; granddaughter, Ashley Aylesbury (Michael), of North Carolina; two great-grandchildren, Thomas and Madilynn; and nephews, Brad (Nancy) Milgate, of Ohio, Brian (Sara) Milgate, of Florida, and Michael Pancher, of Florida.
Tom will be dearly missed by his wife, family and friends, but we are all comforted knowing that he rests safely in God’s hands, and we will meet again. Our loss is great, but God’s love is greater.
When his ashes are returned friends will give him one last ride on earth on their Harley’s as he rides along on the streets of gold in Heaven.
Tom ministered to the men at Teen Challenge for many years. Please make donations to Teen Challenge in Tom’s memory, 3032 Perry Park Road Perry, OH 44081.
Tom also wholeheartedly supported the Christmas program for children through Asa’s Angels of Hope. Please make donations to Asa’s Angels of Hope in Tom’s Memory, 2709 N Ridge Road Painesville, OH 44077. https://asasangels.com/contact-us/.
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