J. Thomas "Tom" Shonebarger
April 3, 1936 - May 16, 2021 (Age 85)
J. Thomas “Tommy” Shonebarger, 85, of Delaware passed away peacefully late Sunday evening, May 16, 2021 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
He was born April 3, 1936 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Francis and Louise (Hickey) Shonebarger and graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School in Newark in 1954. He then attended Miami University.
Tom worked in sales and could sell anything. His proudest achievement was receiving the Outstanding Salesman of the Year award several years in a row while working with Copco Paper Company. An award that was presented to him by Dave Thomas and Archie Griffin. He retired from Copco Paper in 1994. After retirement, he represented other redistribution companies, the last being Ha-Ste Manufacturing Co. in Union City, Ohio.
Tom loved playing golf. He organized a league at Hidden Valley Golf Course in Delaware called the Long Driver’s League for several years. He enjoyed traveling with his wife to many places. Some of those trips were won by him for outstanding salesmanship. Tom loved Jesus and lived a spirit-filled life and was a devoted and faithful member of the Sunbury United Methodist Church.
Tom was a wonderful, loving husband to his wife of 48 years, Cheryl (Guy); his sons, Jon (Peggy) Shonebarger, Joseph Shonebarger, Matthew (Michelle) Shonebarger, and Scott (Jen) Shonebarger; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was very proud of his sons and of his 2 granddaughters Isabel and Renee Shonebarger and his grandsons Ryan and Max Shonebarger. He always enjoyed going to their recitals and sporting events. Also living are his brother, David (Teresa) Shonebarger and sisters Marian Rosholm, Elizabeth Trost, Holly Mason, and Maureen Shonebarger and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his daughter Lauren Fritz and 2 brothers Dennis James (Patsy) and Phillip Shonebarger.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 10 – 11 am at the Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center, 101 Valleyside Drive at W. William Street, Delaware where services celebrating Tom’s life will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Victoria Troutman officiating. Graveside services will then be held at 2:30 pm at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery.
Contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to OhioHealth/HomeReach Hospice or Sunbury United Methodist Church.
The Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center is honored to serve the Shonebarger family.
