Thomas Gene Fewster Sr.

Tom was the son of Harold and Pearline Fewster, born in North Carolina and raised in Toledo, OH. Tom was preceded in death by his lovely wife Barb, who died in July. Tom is survived by his son Tom Fewster Jr. (Beverly), daughter Lori Thuente (Dean) and his grandchildren Kiley & Connor Fewster and Truman & Winston Thuente. He was the oldest of four siblings, all surviving: Ron, Suzette Baumann, and Susan Elizabeth (Babs) Marsh.

Tom graduated from Waite High School in 1961 and started working at McDonalds on Woodville Rd. while attending Bowling Green State University. He and Barb met when she was working as a teller at the bank and Tom was making McDonald’s deposits. They were married on Sept. 13, 1963. Tommy was born in 1964 and Lori in 1966. He was an amazing husband, dad and grandfather, attending sporting events and supporting his kids and grandkids in every way, while teaching them the value of education and hard work.

McDonald’s was a lifelong career and passion for Tom, rising through the ranks to his final corporate position of Sr. Vice President and Zone Manager in 1984. Over the many years, he won numerous awards including “The Freddie”, the highest award McDonald’s gives. This award was named after Fred Turner, who along with Ray Kroc, was the key leader, developer and visionary for McDonald’s.

In 1991, Tom retired from corporate and moved with Barb, Tommy and Beverly to Ft. Myers, where they became franchisees of ultimately ten stores. The family became very invested in the community, especially the Ronald McDonald House of SW Florida. His last meal was a McDonald’s cheeseburger and shake.

Tom loved to read, go fishing with friends and have a Canadian Club Manhattan (with cherry juice) each night with Barb!

Due to Covid restrictions, we are going to have a private burial in early January and a Celebration of Life in the spring. More information to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Ronald McDonald House of Southwest Florida https://www.classy.org/give/178757/#!/donation/checkout