Thomas Charles Wonderleigh

     Thomas Charles Wonderleigh, 73, of Chillicothe, passed unexpectedly at 4:08 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023 at home in his favorite chair.

     Tom never knew a stranger and he always tried to connect with people.  He was an avid bowler for many years.  Tom also loved many sports and was very passionate about baseball, a sport he played for many years.  He also coached and volunteered for many years for the F.O.P. Pony League team.  Tom loved music and played many instruments.  He loved animals, especially the “under dogs” that needed extra love.  Tom loved cheering on his grandkids and great grandkids with their activities and loved spending time with his family. 

     Tom was a 1967 graduate of Chillicothe High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Kalamazoo College in 1971.  During his time at Kalamazoo, he met Janet Joers, a longtime friend who became a close companion later in his life.  Throughout his life, he had many careers, including, working as a Probation Officer, an employee at Mead OPAS for many years, and working as an educator in various local schools–a job he felt was his true calling in life. 

     He was born October 19, 1949, in Chillicothe, to the late Leslie and Margaret Carver Wonderleigh.

     Surviving are his children: Mike (Heather Steele) Wonderleigh of Chillicothe, Marla (George) Hatfield of Frankfort and Kyla (Chris) Shope of Chillicothe; his college sweetheart, Jan Joers of Chillicothe; grandchildren: Kaighla (Peter) Ticich, Alaysha Wonderleigh, Carlie Stepp, Collin Wonderleigh, Chesney Wonderleigh, Evan (Duane Penwell) Hatfield, Kristen (Todd Urdiales) Hatfield, PFC Coleman Hatfield, US Army, Elain Hatfield, Grayson Hatfield, Natalie Shope, and Eric Shope; great grandchildren: Jenson, Jaxon, Jeyannah, Jade, Amelia and Elliot; sisters: Peggy (David) Daugherty, of Bainbridge and Janet (Keith) Disbennett, of Chillicothe; a brother, Kyle (Patty) Wonderleigh, of Chillicothe; an uncle, Warren (Anna) Carver, of Chillicothe; former wife and mother of his children, Marie Wonderleigh of Frankfort; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends, including longtime friends Steve “Ozzy” Osborne and Dave Schaefer.

     Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday, May 12, 2023 in the WARE FUNERAL HOME.  Burial will be held in Greenlawn Cemetery at the convenience of the family at a later date.  Friends may call at the WARE FUNERAL HOME from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the funeral service on Friday. 

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Grateful Hearts Senior Dog Rescue and Sanctuary thru their website: www.gratefulheartsseniordogrescue.org, The Ross County Humane Society: 2308A Lick Run Road Chillicothe, OH 45601 or to the Chillicothe City Pony League Inc. c/o Jeffrey Hart 25893 Narrows Rd., South Bloomingville, OH 43152

     You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com

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