Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
Thomas Joseph Halbisen Sr., 76 of Sandusky, Ohio went home to be with the Lord on August 13, 2020, just eight short months after his beloved wife, Donna Sue. We believe Donna Sue was missing Tom in heaven and spoke her wishes to God himself, taking Tom home.
Tom was born on April 10, 1944 to Jerome and Gertrude (Darr) Halbisen in Fremont, Ohio. He married Donna Sue Piddock on April 25, 1964 in Monroe, Michigan. He is preceded in death by Donna Sue, his mother, father; sisters, Annie and Ruth; brothers, Richard, Buck and Harry.
Tom is survived by his only daughter, Tammy and (his favorite son-in-law) Walter Snyder; three sons, Thomas J. Jr. (Jody) Halbisen, Timothy (Angie) Halbisen and Eric (Jamie) Halbisen; two very special nephews, Mike Halbisen and Glen Carmon and his best friend, Skylar, aka "The Legend".
19 grandchildren, Joshua, Adam, Austin and Addison Snyder, TJ and Brandon Halbisen, Tabitha (Mikel) Lugtig, Mercedes (Nick) Stuckey, Dylan, Heather and Taylor Russell, Alyssa Halbisen, Jordan (Autumn) Halbisen, Daniel (Lexie) Wollenslagel, Tiffany Lake, Carrie (Brandon) Blakely, Matthew, Andrew and Skylar (The Legend) Halbisen.
Tom is also survived by 27 great-grandchildren; sisters, Donna (Jerry) Fisher and Barb Karlovitz, both of Fremont; sisters-in-law, Pat Halbisen, Lavern Gray and Yvonne Shell; brothers-in-law, David (Norma) Piddock and Charles Philip (Ginny) Piddock, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Tom and Donna Sue met in 1958 and were inseparable until her passing on December 13, 2019. Being together for 61 years and married for 55 years. Tom and Donna Sue were the true version of love.
Tom was a man of God who always made you smile; with his wit he could tell a joke and quote a bible verse all while keeping any audience entertained. Tom created the "Singing under the Stars" in his backyard in 1971. The "Singing under the Stars" grew substantially and was celebrated by moving to the Erie County Fairgrounds and later to Ehove Career Center. Tom was instrumental in forming the "NOGSA" Northern Ohio Gospel Singers Association in mid '70. While he was tremendously successful in gospel music, he was requested to MC many special events.
Tom and "Donna Sue" would travel around to many restaurants and nursing centers where they sang gospel music; this is where they met and kept an abundance of friends.
They spent their winters in Sebring, Florida; where he was instrumental in starting a church service at their local community club house. The service was open to all the residents and were greatly enjoyed by many, often times packing the house.
Tom loved to ride around on his golf cart and talk to anyone available. He would purposely drive past his friends' houses that had motion lights to turn them on, no matter the time of night. Tom helped start the Francis I neighborhood watch, keeping the community safe while being silly at the same time. He wasn't afraid to carry a flashlight and use it.
Tom loved to play games; Euchre and domino's were his favorite. His friends would say he was a mathematical genius. Besides playing games, Tom loved to tell jokes, camping and going to watch his grandchildren and great grandchildren play sports. Racing was also a favorite of his. He especially enjoyed watching his son and grandson, Tim & Jordan drag race at Norwalk Raceway. Tom was happiest when he was busy. He could build you a house from the ground up (sometimes using duct tape and a razor blade).
Tom was a friend to all and would do anything to help when needed. He will be greatly missed by far too many. His wise words, strong mind and his loving soul will never be forgotten.
Family and friends may call on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 from 2:00 PM until the time of memorial service at 7:00 PM at Mount Harvest Church of God, 150 State Route 113 W, Milan, OH 44846. Pastor Carl Woodyard will be presiding over the services. Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com
