Thomas Edward Ray Sr.

Life isn’t measured in time or money. It’s measured in love and moments shared with others. Thomas Edward Ray, Sr. (Mount Gilead, Ohio) lived a life full of those moments. He died at The Ohio State University: Wexner Medical Center on Dec. 21. Tom was born on June 22, 1930 in Akron, Ohio to Theodore Roosevelt Ray and Jeannette Rosalind (Boyd).  Tom graduated from South Bloomfield High School in Sparta, Ohio in 1948, and he earned a degree from the Ohio State University in 1952. After serving two years with the US Army during the Korean Conflict he returned to Ohio State to complete his law degree. He was admitted to the Ohio State Bar in 1957 and established his law firm in Cardington, Ohio where he had a general practice with a specialty in natural resources and oil and gas exploration for the next 60 years.

He served as the Morrow County Prosecutor for two nonconsecutive terms in 1960 and then again in 1977. A former Chair of the Morrow County Democratic Party he participated in campaigns on both local and national levels.  He was a proud veteran, and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 97 in Cardington, Ohio.

Tom and his family also farmed in Morrow County for 3 generations. Tom’s kids always called him “Oliver Wendell Ray” from Green Acres.  He would pull his Carhartts up over his suit and tie, slip rubber boots over his dress shoes and go to the fields to combine beans between court cases.

Although his work was important, nothing came above his family. He married beloved Mary Francis (Baldwin) in 1953 and they raised their family in Cardington.  Mary preceded him in death.  Tom married Patti (Baker) in 1997, and they spent the next 20 year traveling throughout the world often with grandchildren.   Memories of those adventures with Grandpa will be cherished.  

He is survived by his two brothers Mike (Joyce) Ray and Jim (Barbara) Ray as well by his three children Linda (Dan) Russell, Elizabeth (Don) Carr, and Thomas E. Jr. (Diana) Ray, his four grandchildren; Jason (Andrea) Hanahan, Danielle (Shaun) Wright, Lincoln (Sheila) Counts and Ashley (Daniel) Ernst whom all reside close by. He has six great grandchildren, Cole, Brendan, Landon, Ellie, Evan and Emily, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Friday, December 28, 2018 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Gompf Funeral Home in Cardington, Ohio with a funeral service beginning at 1:30 PM.  Brother Jack Griffith will officiate. Burial with full military honors will immediately follow in the Bloomfield Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Hospice of Morrow County at 228 South St. Mount Gilead, Ohio. 43338, or the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.  

Those wishing to share a memory of Thomas or to express a condolence to the Ray family may do so by visiting www.gompffh.com.