Thomas Mantie

Thomas E. Mantie, 74, of Van Wert, died at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, at Van Wert Inpatient Hospice. He was born March 9, 1942, in Hartford, Connecticut, to the late Frances (Mainelli) Mantie and Richard Mantie.

His wife, Alice J. (Schaffner) Mantie, preceded him in death. They were married Sept. 13, 1983.

Survivors include children, Jenny (Eddie) Byrd and Charles (Nancy) Mantie, both of of Pink Hill, North Carolina; Richard (Rita) Mantie of Kenansville, North Carolina; Tammy (Joe) McKay of Windsor Locks, Connecticut; stepchildren, Leslie (Terry) Webster of Ohio City, Ohio, Linda Kay Blue of Van Wert, Ohio; and a sister, Ann Billings of Oregon. Thomas is survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his loving companion, friend, and caregiver Janet Whitaker. She was always with him during his illness. He also leaves behind his loving dog, Lily.

He was preceded in death by a child, Kimberly Mantie.

He retired as a truck driver after 48 years. He attended Victory Church of God of rural Van Wert. He was a six year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, played guitar in the praise band at Victory Church of God and the former Mt. Pleasant Church of rural Van Wert and also at local nursing homes. He was a member of Van Wert Historical Society Model Railroad Club, a member of Van Wert American Legion and he loved to fish.

Service will begin at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory. The Rev. Adam Borsay will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Van Wert.

Visitation is 12:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is Van Wert Historical Society or Van Wert American Legion.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.alspachgearhart.com.

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