Tom Ronald Knoch

Tom Ronald Knoch, 84, of Wapakoneta, passed away at 5:26 PM, Monday, May 17, 2021 at his residence.  He was born on October 7, 1936 in Wapakoneta, to Clay W. and Anna Catherine "Carrie" (Morris) Knoch who have preceded him in death.  On October 7, 1956, he married Barbara A. Bowersock, who survives in Wapakoneta.

Survivors also include four children, Tom Ronald "TR" (Lynnita) Knoch Jr., of Chandler, AZ, Tracy L. (Scott) Hatfield, of Wapakoneta, Ty L. (Scott) Doty, of Wapakoneta, Tash L. (Allan) Schulze, of Celina; nine grandchildren, David Knoch, James Knoch, D'Anne Knoch, Baley (Jon) Britton, Dr. Blake Hatfield, Tayler Doty, Jeremy Doty, Justin Schulze, Ashley Schulze; five great-grandchildren, Solomon, Simon, Lydia, Charlotte, Lovedy; two brothers, Rex (Sharon) Knoch, of Uniopolis, Dick Knoch, of Wapakoneta; two sister-in-laws, Jeanette Knoch and Jeanne Knoch, both of Wapakoneta; and many nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by siblings, Morris (Louise) Knoch, Glenna (Fritz) Horman, Alan Wayne (Georgianna) Knoch, Georgia Lou (Gene) Lee, Clay (Francis) Knoch, Brooks Knoch, Lucille (Joe) Bell, Ted Knoch, Bill (Audrey) Knoch; and sister-in-law, Joyce Knoch.

A 1955 graduate of Blume High School, Tom then graduated from the Toledo Barber College. He came home and married his childhood sweetheart, Barb, and they began to raise their family together.  He first barbered briefly in Lima and Jackson Center, before settling into his Uniopolis shop for many years.  During that time, he also worked for ten years at Ford Motor Company before retiring from Accubuilt. 

Tom was a member of the Auglaize County Agricultural Society (the fair board) from 1971- 2019, serving on lots of committees and as president.  While on the fair board, he founded the Gospel Tent at the Auglaize County Fair, with help from his wife, and his brother Bill (Audrey) Knoch.

Tom was also a member of the American Quarterhorse Association; the Ohio Western Horse Association, where he served as president; and several other quarterhorse associations.  While his children were young, he judged numerous horse shows.  In addition to his great love for horses, Tom enjoyed his field trial dogs. 

He was a member of the Uniopolis United Methodist Church and had enjoyed going to the Music Hall in Uniopolis.  Tom also sang with the gospel quartet Just Us, and the Lime Bean Choir.  He was an avid supporter of his grandchildren's sports and activities.

Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Wapakoneta.  Rev. David Gordon will officiate.  Burial of Tom's cremated remains will follow in Fairmount Cemetery, Uniopolis.  Friends may call from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made to The Auglaize County Fair Gospel Tent or Putnam County HomeCare and Hospice.

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