Thomas Phelps

Thomas L. "Tommy" Phelps, 62, of Mansfield, died Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at his home. Born January 16, 1947 in Columbus, he was the son of George Olen and Freda May Hutchins Phelps. He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School. Tom served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He retired from and currently worked with the 179th Airlift Wing Fire Department at Mansfield Lahm Airport as the Assistant Fire Chief. He was a member of the 179th Retirees Shadow Flight Group and the Amvets. Tom was a very dependable and caring gentleman. He loved fishing and the outdoors, and spending time on Lake Erie and Lake Michigan.

He is survived by his mother, Freda May Phelps of Galion; son, Jason Phelps of Mansfield; daughter, Kelly Blankenship; three grandchildren; and several cousins and wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his father, George Phelps in 1993.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2009 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Mansfield. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home conducted by Chaplain, Lt. Col, Curt Wagner. Military Honors will follow at the funeral home conducted by the Air National Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Joint Veteran's Burial Detail or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.