Thomas Eugene Rouse

Thomas Eugene Rouse, 89, of Canal Winchester, formerly of Somerset, Ohio, passed away at 11:17 p.m. Sunday, October 17, 2021 at his residence. Tom was born August 15, 1932, in Bremen, Ohio, the son of the late Kermit and Helen (Blosser) Rouse. Tom was in the United States Navy and served on a minesweeper called The USS Thompson during the Korean Conflict. Tom worked for City Loan and National City as a banker and loan officer early in his career. The remainder of his career was spent as an Independent Business Owner. Tom, and wife JoAnn, owned and operated several businesses in the Somerset community including The Village Store, The Dairy Barn, R & W Market, Somerset Processing Plant, and Big A Auto Parts along with other side ventures such as a produce stand, tanning business and J & T Crafts. After his retirement, Tom enjoyed being the Reading Township Zoning Inspector for several years. Tom’s love of sports began at a young age and continued throughout his life. He was an athlete in various sports while attending Bremen HS including baseball, basketball and football. He was a boys basketball coach at Holy Trinity, and rarely missed an opportunity to support, teach, attend, watch, or listen to just about any sporting event. He was a huge Sheridan Generals Fan and attended every game he possibly could and when he could not go in person, he listened on the radio or watched on the internet when available. Tom rarely knew a stranger and much of his time was spent with friends and family. Tom had an infectious sense of humor, a generous spirit and heart, and a love for camping, eating out, taking trips, and enjoying the company of family and friends. Tom was a member of the Somerset United Methodist Church, Somerset American Legion Leo Ryan Post 58, Thornville AmVets Post 51, and a past member of the Somerset Lions Club. Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, JoAnn (Johnson) Rouse. He is survived by two daughters, Debby (Mike) Henderson of Somerset and Tammy Aubel of Canal Winchester; four grandchildren, Allie (Josh) Kinniard, Tiffany Williams (Travis King), Ashley (Chris) Reynolds, and John Aubel; two great grandchildren, Ryder and Zariah King; a sister, Judy (Bruce) Nash of Ocala, Florida; and a nephew Chad Priwer of Ocala, Florida. Tom is also survived by his loving companion for the last 12 years, Marilyn Tipton of Rushville. A private family graveside service is planned. The family is planning to have a Celebration of Tom’s life at a later date once public gathering restrictions ease. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Somerset EMS or the Sheridan Athletic Boosters in Tom’s honor. Bope-Thomas Funeral Home in Somerset is entrusted with the arrangements. www.bopethomasfuneralhome.com

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