Birth date: Sep 6, 1933 Death date: Oct 28, 2013
Thomas Fannings Thomas Fannings was born in Youngstown, OH on September 6, 1933 and passed away on October 28, 2013. He retired honorably from the United States Air Force after serving many years in Europe and two tours in Vietna Read Obituary
words cant explain how amazing of a man he is. the greatest ever is not even close enough of a compliment of thomas fannings
I feel so blessed to have known you for so many years. Your gentleness, and your strength will never be forgotten. For me, a wonderful part of my family, a great soul mate for my sister Soni. You went by many names - Fan Man, Grandpa Tom or Papa Tom. But I liked to call you Mr. T. I will always remember you with love and affection.
Rest in peace Tom.
What is a Keeper?
By definition it is something not to be discarded. The sport of fishing is not just for the fish, but the scenery, friendship and tall stories told during the trip. Where else can you watch a bald eagle or an osprey take a fish, even if it is one or our non-keeper? If you truly want fish, go buy a can of tuna or a salmon fillet.
Fishing creates a bond between guys. There is no guarantee you will leave the water with anything, but you were out there trying. Hot, cold, wet or dry, you were always ready to go try. We caught our share and them some. You always said, "My limit is one!" If I caught a big trout, I would hold it up for the world to see. You, on the other hand, being of a gentler nature, would quietly put your fish in the cooler. Any display of emotion would have been bragging in your eyes. You were always a gentleman.
When I decided I wanted a larger boat, I bought one that should have been junked. But you were there cleaning, sanding, or painting, just for a seat on the boat.
I believe in God's eyes, you are a Keeper! And as for me, you will always have a seat on my boat.
God Bless You - and Good Fishing Tom.
I remember a poem I wrote for you on Father's Day in 1993, I think. It went like this:
Father's Day is special since you came into my life
And I'm so very grateful that you made my mom your wife
For if you hadn't married mom, I wouldn't be your kid
And I wouldn't have occasion to say "Thanks" for all you did
And while I may not say it, I hope you know it's true that I really mean
I LOVE YOU when I say ,"This Bud's for YOU!"
I put some flowers from the yard in a Budweiser can. I didn't have any money so I had to get creative.....Thomas....Thank you for being the best (step)dad in the world. It was love at first sight for that 13 year old girl. I thought you were as dashing as Sidney Poitier in "To Sir With Love" and as cool as "Shaft"! Haha. You loved me as your own; ferociously and unconditionally. Thank you for my first pair of Nikes! One of THE top 3 Christmas's of all time! I loved watching our Seattle Supersonics with you. Donna and I will always love you for taking us to the Victory Parade in downtown Seattle when the Sonics won the World Championship in 1979. So awesome! "So goes Sikma, so goes the Sonics" and they tore it up that year!
And how can I ever forget how you helped save my life when I was bleeding out from that pesky tonsillectomy and that butterscotch candy? You became my Superman when you scooped my big 16 year old body up off the couch and carried me to your car. You and mom were my heroes that night....that white light was looking mighty welcoming....Grandpa Tom; Papa Tom. Thank you for being the greatest grandpa any kids could ever have. They love you mightily.....Rest in Peace...I love you and will carry your gentle Spirit with me forever....."take it easy Vic"...
