Thomas Marshall Yarnell

God's Word provides many assurances as well as commands to direct our footsteps and illuminate our paths. In these, the weary can find rest and comfort through strength and courage, never fearing the course ahead as God has promised to be with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9).

Thomas Marshall Yarnell, 78, finally completed his journey on Sunday, August 16, 2015, following a 22-month-long battle with cancer. Born and raised in Ohio, Tom was a lifelong resident of Toledo. In his very early years, Tom served milkshakes at a corner market and sold newspapers with his twin brother to help support their mother; widowed when her sons were only 2 years old. After graduating from Scott High School in 1954, Tom briefly attended the University of Toledo before securing a full-time job as a journeyman meat cutter at Kroger (Miracle Mile), the same grocery store where over 5 decades later his children would begin their first meaningful employment. Another 5 years would pass before God sovereignly and dramatically changed his career path. In 1959, Tom began to pursue his life's work as a journeyman brick mason until his retirement in 1994, before which time he worked on countless notable constructions—McMaster and Savage Halls, Toledo Zoo, Rosary Cathedral and Toledo Hospital to name a few. Tom not only took pride in his handiwork, but truly appreciated the friendships he formed with fellow bricklayers over the years.

Shortly after the death of his mother in 1981, Tom met and married his wife "Annie." By 1984, the happy couple would welcome 3 children into the world. An avid cook and baker, Tom always relished his time in the kitchen, whether preparing delicious meals on a daily basis, rolling out his famous pie crust, or instructing his "apprentices" how to master a myriad of family recipes.

Tom is survived by his wife of 33 years, Joyce (Kurtz) Yarnell; his twin brother, James (Nancy) Yarnell; his son, Patrick (Ashley) Yarnell; his daughter, Jennifer (Benjamin) Sheriff; his son, Andrew (Meghan) Yarnell; four grandchildren, Mack, Asher, Grace and Lucy; and many other dear relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Hazel (Beck) Yarnell; his beloved in-laws, Kenneth and Jean (Dietrich), Brenda Kurtz; and a grandchild, Quinn Sheriff, who died before birth.

Tom's family would like to express special thanks to the staff at Hospice of Northwest Ohio who compassionately journeyed alongside Tom as extra support became essential to his care.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Emmanuel Baptist Church, First Alliance Church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Those privileged to be at Tom's side during the final chapter of his life know that he was not afraid to depart from his earthly body, and indeed, he longed to see the face of Jesus, as his soul waited patiently for his Creator to welcome him Home. Tom's final testimony was to demonstrate both by his words and his actions the sufficiency of God's grace and strength to make us perfect in our weakness. Tom loved the Lord with all of his mind and might, and he remained ready to fulfill whatever purpose was being designed for him by the ultimate builder, Jesus Christ…right up to the moment of his very last breath. May Tom's work and the people he influenced continue to speak for him and always bring glory to God!

The family will receive guests on Friday from 2 - 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300). Funeral Services will begin Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 4207 Laskey Rd., Toledo, with visitation one hour prior in church. Interment will follow in Toledo Memorial Park.