Thomas Bautz

Thomas E. Bautz, 60, of Mansfield, died Friday, March 13, 2009, at Hospice House in Ashland. Born August 24, 1948, in Mansfield, he was the son of John J. Bautz, Jr. and Barbara Reiser Bautz. A 1966 graduate of Madison High School, Tom was a self employed trim carpenter owning Bautz Trim Carpentry. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War. A resident of Mansfield his entire life with the exception of four years when his family lived in Oklahoma, Tom was very active in his children's lives while they were young, having coached soccer and softball and organizing a t-ball league. He lived his life in the moment and enjoyed camping and riding his motorcycle with his wife, Linda, who was his best friend. He loved his family and will be truly missed.

Surviving are his wife of six years, Linda Bautz; a daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Howard Jeffries of Mansfield; three sons, Brent Bautz of Ashland, John Bautz and Matt Bautz both of Mansfield; a step daughter, Tracy Chernek of Mansfield; six grandchildren, Wayne, Mason, Jayden, Brooke, Bree and Brent; two sisters, Carol Stutz of Mansfield and Judy Gary Sparr of Hayesville; and numerous nieces, nephews and many very good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2009, at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield, OH 44902. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at the funeral home conducted by Pastor Matt Nigh. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park where full military services will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio or to the charity of the donor's choice.