Thomas C. Vadakin

Thomas Clark Vadakin was born on Christmas Eve, 1931 in Marietta, OH to the family of Vernon V. Vadakin and Marjorie Devol Vadakin, and an older sister Jane. Tom grew up in the then Putnam Community (now Devola). He was privileged to experience the presence of many praiseworthy elders residing in that community, all of whom made a lasting impression upon Tom’s entire life. Tom began his education at the two roomed Putnam School, grades one through eight, then on to Marietta Junior High and Marietta Senior High graduating with the class of 1949. After three years at Miami University, Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force’s Aviation Cadet Program. Upon graduation he was assigned as a flight officer in the 8th Air Force, Strategic Air Command. Finishing his active duty commitment in 1956, Tom returned to Marietta, entering business with his Father, that business eventually becoming Vadakin Inc., an industrial service company. He acted as its Manager and President until retirement in December, 1997, having been assisted by many loyal associates and several local corporations to include People’s Bank Operating Board and its holding company. He was a lifelong member in The First Congregational Church. In 1954 he married Marilyn Sims of Parkersburg and from that union came three children, Julia Clark Lambert (Myron) of Chillicothe, Ellen Elizabeth McCrary (James) of Lancaster and Stephen Thomas of Milwaukee, Wisc. That marriage ended in 1979. In 1996, Tom married Nancy Ashford Lewis of Columbus, they lived in Marietta until 2002 and the Columbus area thereafter. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Jane; brother-in-law, Randall Metcalf, and very special lifelong friend William H. “Bill” Thompson. Survivors are, in addition to his wife Nancy and three children, grandchildren, Thomas Cernus (Rachael) their children Aubrey and Brennan, Teara Cernus Dunlap (Ryan) and their son Anthony, Michelle Ray Eggleston, Emily Lambert, and a step-granddaughter Jessica Graham (Aaron) and their daughter Averie and son Aiden, two sons-in-law Joseph Schneider and Erick Logan (Beth) and their daughters Boston, Philadelphia, and Quincy, His very special lifelong friend and brother-in-law Paul T. Thiesen (Judy), a nephew David Metcalf (Jayne) and their daughter Marissa and a niece Missy Metcalf (Dale). A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories or extend condolences.