Thomas Edward Slusser, age 88, resident of Celina, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Mercer Health in Coldwater.
He was born on August 16, 1936, in Celina to the late Tony Leroy and Kathryn (Dysert) Slusser. On September 30, 1954, he married the love of his life, Marlene Lagora (Korfhagen) Slusser, who preceded him in death on November 30, 2016.
Tom is survived by his six children: Toni K. (Dave) Schroyer of Celina, Joel A. Slusser of Celina, Tommy E. Slusser of Las Vegas, Nevada, Sam R. (Kimbra) Slusser of Celina, Lisa M. (Conrad) Dery of Van Wert, and Shelly S. (Andy) James of Osawatomie, Kansas. He was a proud grandfather to twelve grandchildren. Clayton and Anthony (Joel), Ariielle, Ashley, Alicia (Tommy), Tyler, Amanda, Dereck (Sam), Courtney (Lisa), Julia, Charles, and Noah (Shelly), and eight great grandchildren with a ninth on the way.
He is also survived by three sisters-in-law: Maxine Slusser (Bradenton, FL), Marjorie Shinn (Celina), and Myrna Huelsman (Bradenton, FL).
He was preceded in death by his siblings: Jerry Slusser), Samuel Slusser, and Virginia “Anne” (brother-in-law Albert) Rice), sister in laws: Marilyn Aker, Myra Dysert, and Mary Korfhagen.
A 1954 graduate of Celina High School, Tom went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Army. He was a proud veteran and an active member of several local organizations including Celina VFW Post #5713, Celina American Legion Post #210, Celina Eagles Lodge #1291, the Celina Moose, and Mercer County Elks Golf Club.
It was Tom and a few partners that founded Tom’s Installation Company, which they established on October 6, 1969. He dedicated over 55 years to building and operating a trusted and respected business primarily the tristate area... Tom took immense pride in his work and the relationships he formed with customers and his community over many decades.
Beyond his business, Tom enjoyed golfing, fishing, boating on Grand Lake, and vacationing with friends, He enjoyed spending winters at his vacation home in Sebring Florida and He loved jet skiing and being near the water. He was especially devoted to his family and friends and cherished many fun times with friends, whether it was the annual hog roast at Park Grande, sharing season tickets to Bengals Games or Ohio State Basketball, and if he wasn’t enjoying time at an actual game, he was part of the local fans that gathered for games at the Celina VFW on Sundays.
Tom was also known for his generous spirit. He faithfully volunteered preparing bean soup for Veterans Day during the Mercer County Fair, and supported the annual VFW Easter Egg Hunt, by donating eggs for many years in honor of his mom and dad. His ornery kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Visitation hours will be from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Cisco Funeral Home in Celina.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Cisco Funeral Home in Celina, Celina, with Randy Christian officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service.
Burial will follow at Swamp College Cemetery, with military honors conducted by VFW Post #5713.and Celina American Legion Post #210.
Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW Post #5713 Scholarship Fund and/or the Celina American Legion Post #210 Scholarship Fund.
The Slusser family extends their heartfelt thanks for the support and care shown during this difficult time. To share memories or express condolences, please visit www.ciscofuneralhome.com or the Cisco Funeral Home Facebook page.
Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina & St. Marys are honored to serve the Slusser family.