Funeral services and military honors celebrating the life of Thomas E. Gaunder, 81, of Heath, will be held at the REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, 1 P.M., Saturday, November 3, 2018 with Rev. Mr. Deacon Larry Wilson as celebrant. Friends and family may call from 11-1 P.M. prior to the service on Saturday,

Thomas, a United States Navy Reservist, died at the Laurels of Heath on Saturday, October 27, 2018. He was born in Newark, Ohio on February 2, 1937 to the late Raymond Edgar and Myrtle Elizabeth (True) Gaunder.

A graduate of Newark High School, Thomas received his certification in fire safety and worked as a volunteer firefighter with the City of Heath and was Fire Chief of the National Trails Volunteer Fire Department.

In addition to his career as a firefighter, Thomas worked for Rockwell and was owner and operator of Heath Electric and National Trails Campground.

As a charter member and longtime parishioner of St. Leonard Catholic Church, Thomas was instrumental in the building of their first stand alone church, volunteering many hours wiring the electric and working on the physical grounds.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen (Weisend) Gaunder; his daughter, Karen (Daniel) Thompson; grandchildren, Sarah (Jeremy) Crawford, Morgan Stotts, R. Alex (Jessica) Stotts, Zachary Thompson, and Justin Thompson; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Gaunder; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara King; infant brother, David; and sister-in-law, Eleanor Gaunder.

To share your memory of Thomas or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com.