Thomas W. Kothera, 82, of Southington, passed away Saturday, February 12, 2011, in Ravenna, OH in the presence of his loving family. He was born March 24, 1928 in Troy, OH to Edward and Ella (Wright) Kothera.
Thomas was a Korean War veteran serving in the Army and a self employed Mason. He was a member of the Garrettsville Eagles, V.F.W. # 9678 in Middlefield, and the Vintage Auto Racing Club. Thomas enjoyed tinkering with old race cars and cherished spending time with his beloved family and friends.
He is survived by his children Dave (Debra Matzek) Kothera of Garrettsville, Kerri (Edward) Pfrenger, and Kelli (Richard Matzek) Kothera of Garrettsville; brother Bill (Kay) Kothera of Hiram; grandchildren Jennifer Ruhlman, Jennifer Dise, and Nicholas Rogers; and great grandchild Taya Ruhlman.
Thomas was preceded in death by his wife Anne (Graycar), parents; brothers Jim, George, Chuck, and Ed; and sisters Eleanor Kurtzman and Gertrude Hyka.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH 44231. His funeral service is on Wednesday, February 16, 2011, at 11 A.M. at the funeral home with Howard Furl officiating. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Garrettsville with full military honors.
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ohio V.F.W., P.O. Box 15219, Columbus, OH 43215-0219.